The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reaffirmed his commitment to leading with truth, integrity, and humility, as he marks over two decades of remarkable leadership.
The monarch of the Asante Kingdom expressed these sentiments during a dinner hosted by the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on September 6, 2024, where he was honored for his outstanding service to the nation. Otumfuo was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by UCC and credited his leadership success to the grace and guidance of God.
He expressed his reliance on divine direction to continue his reign with honesty and courage. “It’s the Lord God who gives me direction. He should grant me the courage to face any human being with the truth and to be very honest with everyone I encounter,” he said.
The dinner, held at UCC’s National Examination Centre, was attended by traditional Asante leaders, university management, and notable figures such as former Vice Chancellor Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang. This event followed the official ceremony on September 5, 2024, during which Otumfuo was recognized for his meritorious and distinguished service to Ghana.
In his address, Otumfuo dedicated the honorary degree to the traditional authorities of the Asante Kingdom, acknowledging their steadfast support throughout his 25-year reign. “To Nananom, I received this award because of you. Twenty-five years of your support made it possible for us to be recognized by this university. This award is in your honor,” he said. He further expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him, stating, “I still count on your guidance and support to be a good leader, to serve with humility and integrity, and to be truthful to you and to God.”
Otumfuo also expressed his deep appreciation to the leadership of UCC for the honorary doctorate, highlighting that he does not take the honor lightly. “I owe you gratitude—the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, and all those who decided to honor me. I received it with humility,” he remarked.
The Asantehene praised UCC’s leadership, particularly the Chancellor, Sir Sam Jonah, for steering the institution toward academic excellence. He emphasized the critical role of education in national development and committed himself to supporting the university’s future progress. “Education is the key to the development of every country, and universities are the fountain of knowledge from which we draw. Having been honored, I am now part of this institution, and I will monitor its development closely. Whatever we can do to support this university will be done,” Otumfuo pledged.
Reflecting on his 25-year reign, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reiterated his determination to continue leading with the same values of integrity and truth that have defined his leadership thus far. He is hopeful that, with the help of his maker, he will remain steadfast in his pursuit of honesty and justice for all those he encounters.
The Asantehene’s commitment to truth, humility, and integrity has been a hallmark of his reign, and his recent recognition by UCC underscores the profound impact of his leadership on Ghanaian society.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Justice Bediako
