Modernity in chieftaincy
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on taking office, tasked the chiefs of Asanteman to take steps to preserve the rich culture of Asante by performing their basic duties as chiefs and leaders of the people. He impressed upon them to show good leadership by example. Their subjects should benefit from their leadership.
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He also called for consultations with stakeholders to embrace radical transformation in the chieftaincy institution, citing the lack of codification of traditional customs, laws and cases as a setback to progress.
In recognition of his vision, astute sense of leadership, immense contribution in the alliance of tradition and modern development and cultural renaissance that his reign has come to signify, not only Asantes but other Ghanaians and indeed experts elsewhere, have come to see Otumfuo as a bridge between the ancient and modern in this century.
The combination of contemporary and traditional training and his personal qualities have created a king of a people who are immensely proud of their past history but also entirely at home in the modern world.
Education
On assumption of office as the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II realised the importance of education as the most important tool for national growth and development and placed education on a high pedestal among other priorities. Probably, Otumfuo’s contribution in education has been the most impactful during his reign.
On November 15, 1999, just seven months into his reign, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II launched the Otumfuo Education Fund to provide, among other objectives, financial assistance to needy but brilliant students. The fund seeks to promote development of education at all levels in Asanteman in particular and Ghana in general. Otumfuo directed all chiefs in Asanteman to arrange with their subjects for each and everyone to contribute a minimal amount of money to sustain the fund.
Through the Otumfuo Education Fund, and from his own resources, a number of schools and academic institutions in Ghana and individual students have been supported financially and materially.
Among the beneficiary institutions are the following:
• St. Louis Girls’ Senior High School
• Ada Senior High School (Greater Accra Region)
• Sefwi Wiawso Senior High School (Western Region)
• Osei Tutu Senior High School
• Faculty of Law, KNUST
• Prempeh College
• Yaa Asantewaa Senior High School
• Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School
• Opoku Ware School
• Assin Atandansu Education Fund (Central Region)
• Asogli Education Fund (Volta Region)
• Mensah Sarbah Hall, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra
• University of Professional Studies (UPS), Legon, Accra
The fund also paid school fees for needy students at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), University of Ghana (UG), Legon and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
It was the keen determination of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to enhance the quality of education of Ghanaians that received the commendation of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and led to the conferment of the Symons Award on him in 2000.
It is worthy of note that following Otumfuo’s example, many traditional authorities throughout Ghana have established “Education Funds” to support the education of their brainy, needy wards.
Again, in recognition of his interest in the promotion of education and scholarship, the council of KNUST elected him Chancellor of the University in 2006. The significant aspect of this high honour derives from the fact that he is the first non-head of state to be elected to this office.