Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin
This weekend, the Akyem Abuakwa kingdom in the Eastern Region is celebrating a milestone as its revered leader, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, marked 25 years of visionary leadership.
In 1999, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, a scion of the illustrious Ofori Panin royal family, took the reins of leadership, succeeding Osagyefuo Kuntunkununku II.
This marked the dawn of a new era for Okyeman, one characterized by vision, progress, and transformation.
Over the past quarter-century, Okyenhene has worked tirelessly to elevate Okyeman’s stature, implementing initiatives that have had a profound impact on the community
The Okyenhene’s silver jubilee was commemorated with a grand divisional durbar, highlighting his remarkable achievements in education, environmental conservation, and public service.
Born 74 years ago, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s illustrious journey began at Abuakwa State College, Kyebi, founded by his grandfather, Nana Sir Ofori-Atta, the first king in British West Africa to be knighted by King George of England.
He later pursued advanced-level education at Oxford and earned a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Connecticut.
Before ascending to the throne, the Okyenhene had a distinguished career in the insurance industry.
However, upon becoming the leader of the Akyem Abuakwa kingdom, he faced pressing social issues, including truancy, teenage pregnancy, and environmental degradation.
Undeterred, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin leveraged his moral authority and leadership to drive positive change.
His contributions to education are unparalleled, with the establishment of 10 junior high schools, known as Amoatia Ofori Panin Model Schools, augmenting government efforts.
As Chancellor of the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, founded in 2006, the Okyenhene has championed environmental conservation.
This pioneering institution is Africa’s first university dedicated to agriculture and environmental conservation.
The Okyenhene’s commitment to conservation has earned international recognition.
He was handpicked by King Charles to serve on the African Advisory Council for the King’s Rainforest Project and has held key positions in various national and international institutions.
Throughout his 25-year tenure, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has demonstrated unwavering dedication to child welfare and development, delivering papers on sustainable development, conservation, women, and child rights globally.
-BY Daniel Bampoe