The Member of Parliament for Builsa South and Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has recounted a notable encounter with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, highlighting the monarch’s humility and underscoring the transformative power of education.
The interaction took place during the 75th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School in Kumasi on Saturday, March 28, 2026, where both dignitaries were scheduled to participate in the celebrations.
Dr. Apaak described the meeting as a memorable first encounter with the Asantehene, noting his admiration for the revered traditional leader. He said he was pleasantly surprised when Otumfuo acknowledged him personally, calling him by name and engaging him warmly.
As the event progressed, Dr. Apaak reflected on the role education has played in shaping his journey—from representing his constituents in Parliament to serving in government, and ultimately sharing a platform with one of Ghana’s most respected traditional authorities.
A defining moment occurred when event organizers, citing time constraints and the Asantehene’s subsequent engagements, suggested that Dr. Apaak shorten his speech to allow Otumfuo to address the gathering before departing. However, in an unexpected move, the Asantehene declined the proposal.
“My son, present your speech in full. I will no longer speak. I want to hear everything you have to say,” Otumfuo reportedly told him, adding that he would wait until the address was concluded before proceeding to other engagements.
True to his word, the Asantehene remained seated throughout Dr. Apaak’s speech. Afterwards, both dignitaries, together with the Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Mission and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, participated in cutting the anniversary cake and commissioning a newly constructed girls’ dormitory.
The facility was built in honour of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.
Dr. Apaak described the gesture as a profound demonstration of humility, noting that the Asantehene could have chosen to proceed with his own address or leave early due to his busy schedule but instead opted to listen attentively.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Apaak emphasized two key lessons: the transformative power of education and the importance of humility as a defining trait of leadership.
He concluded that the encounter reinforced his belief that education remains a vital pathway to opportunity, while humility continues to distinguish great leaders.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Kumasi
