Prince Edward calls on Otumfuo at Manhyia Palace

From Issah Alhassan, Kumasi
The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Scheme, His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, has lauded the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his commitment to education and development of humanity.

The Royal Prince says the contribution of the King of the Asante Kingdom to the development of education in Ghana had received recognition both locally and internationally and, therefore, be commended.

The Prince Edward gave the commendation when he led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday.

The Earl of Wessex, who is on a three day visit to Ghana to participate in the Head of State Awards to young Ghanaians who have successfully participated in the scheme, noted that education was the bedrock of the development of every society, stressing that the decision by the Asante King to set up the Educational Foundation to support Ghanaians schools was in the right direction.

Prince Edward, who is the youngest son of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, disclosed that the 2018 edition of the International Awards will be held in Ghana in recognition of the contribution of the Asante King as well as other distinguished Ghanaians to the success story of the scheme.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is associated with the Head of State Awards Scheme in Ghana. According to information, the scheme is available to youths across the globe between the ages of 14-24 and it is meant to equip all young people for life irrespective of one’s background, culture, physical ability, skills and interests.

On his part, the Asantehene, who spoke through the Paramount Chief of Juaben, Nana Otuo Siriboe, used the occasion to once again wish the Queen longer life on her 90th Anniversary Celebration and that the Asante Kingdom was honoured to host the Prince and his delegation.

He said the Asantehene’s commitment to education was not only limited to the people under his jurisdiction but to the entire country as several communities continue to benefit from his foundation.

Nana Otuo Siriboe pointed out that education was a fundamental right of every Ghanaian and to this end, the Asantehene had resolved to invest much resources into supporting all Ghanaians irrespective of one’s creed, religion or tribe, to develop their intellectual capacity.

The delegation to the Manhyia Palace included the UK High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Alexander Ackon.