The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has generously donated Five Hundred thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢500,000) to be used to establish the Oguaa Education Trust Fund in the Central Region.
The fund aims to support underprivileged students in Cape Coast and surrounding areas in pursuing their educational aspirations.
The donation followed discussions between the Asantehene and the Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, who had expressed his intent to create a fund to promote education in his traditional jurisdiction.
Speaking at the 60th Anniversary celebration of the Fetu Afahye festival and the 25th anniversary of Osabarima’s reign, Otumfuo emphasized the historical importance of Cape Coast as a leader in education. He stressed that the city, which boasts a rich legacy as the center of formal education in the Gold Coast, should continue to lead in educational advancement across Ghana.
“Education started in Cape Coast. Trade began here, and factories emerged here first before spreading to other parts of the country. Cape Coast must continue to lead in both education and trade,” Otumfuo remarked.
He called on the people of Oguaa to unite in efforts to revitalize their city and address the challenges of underdevelopment. His Majesty urged all Ghanaians to contribute to the cause, stating that “education started here and must continue to thrive here.”
Expressing his gratitude, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II was visibly moved by the donation. “Your gesture has left me speechless. You are a true friend, and I am deeply grateful. We will ensure the fund is used for its intended purpose and provide regular updates on its progress.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s contribution brings his total donations toward educational initiatives in Ghana this year to ¢1 million. In June 2024, he also donated ¢500,000 to the Ga Traditional Council for a similar cause during a durbar hosted by the Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru II, in the Greater Accra Region.
The Fetu Afahye festival, which took place at Oguaa Jubilee Park on September 7, 2024, was attended by prominent figures including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, NDC Vice Presidential Candidate Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, NPP Vice Presidential Candidate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, British High Commissioner to Ghana Harriet Thompson, and Nana Kwame Bediako, the Founder of the New Force.
The President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, was also in attendance.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Justice Bediako