Otumfuo flanked by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang (right) and KNUST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson
OTUMFUO OSEI Tutu II, the Asantehene, has sternly warned the public to stay away from lands of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
He described the KNUST lands as “sacred” which had been handed over to the top educational institution by his forebears, therefore any individual or groups that would attempt to encroach on the lands would incur his wrath.
According to Otumfuo, he has received reports of people claiming to be ‘Abusuapanin’ to wit ‘head of families’ or families that own lands in the KNUST, which are all false, strongly warning that such false claims should stop immediately.
Speaking at the 59th congregation of KNUST in Kumasi last Saturday, he said, “Barely five years ago in this very hall, I issued a solemn and unequivocal warning against any encroachment on the lands of KNUST, however, I received reports, indicating that some recalcitrant people continue to test our resolve.
“Let me therefore say again with absolute clarity and without equivocation that any encroachment on KNUST lands will not be tolerated. As I indicated five years ago, these lands are not ordinary, these are sacred legacies entrusted to us by our forebears and reserved for the education and upliftment of generations unborn.
“It belongs to the nation of Ghana and to the bright minds who will shape her future. Any attempt to prey on them is an attack on that sacred trust and would be met with decisive action,” the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool stated emphatically.
Otumfuo, who is the Chancellor of KNUST, also warned anyone or group that has intentions of preying on KNUST lands to change their minds in their own interest, urging lawyers not to defend people who illegally encroach on KNUST lands.
“I hereby command all who harbour such intentions to desist immediately and keep away from the sacred KNUST lands. Unfortunately, these people get some lawyers to take these matters to court when they know that it shouldn’t be so,” he stated.
The Asantehene wondered why some people and groups try to illegally claim lands that have been reserved for KNUST for their personal gains, saying, “With all due respect, legal professionals, assess cases that come to you before you go to court.”
Charges President
The Asantehene also expressed gross concern over the unemployment menace in the country, which continues to rise, stressing the need for President John Mahama to take decisive action to address the issue.
“Unemployment is the major issue in this country, it’s a national concern and the president should take a keen interest in this issue,” the KNUST Chancellor stated, attracting wild applause.
He said, “We are all aware that the unemployment rate in this nation is alarming. It’s because of this that I raised it when the German President and Ambassador paid courtesy call on me last month.”
The Asante Monarch therefore reiterated his passionate appeal to the German government to support small and medium scale industries in Ghana, to help reduce the unemployment rate and boost the economy.
Otumfuo also urged the president to grant the necessary financial clearance for the recruitment of academic and administrative staff for universities in the country, noting, “Only then can we sustain the quality of education that prepares our graduates to meet the demands of the rapidly changing world.”
The Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, in her succinct remarks, emphasised government’s readiness and dedication in supporting higher education in the country, and entreated the graduands to prioritise service to the country.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi