There is power and authority in humility - Okyenhene tells leaders

Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has urged leaders to serve with humility and respect.

According to the Okyenhene, throughout history, there has been no rich or great leader who died and was buried with his wealth.

"There is no rich man in the world who has been buried with his fleet of cars or houses. The memories they leave in the lives of others and their communities rather stay for life," Osagyefuo noted.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin added that a great leader leaves an indelible legacy for generations unborn.

"There is power in humility; there is authority in humility; we don't use power to enrich ourselves; we use power to serve diligently. The greatest currency is humility and service," he said.

Addressing a durbar of the chiefs and people of the Benkum division of Akyem Abuakwa State, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin called on all traditional leaders within Okyeman to live an exemplary life that will positively impact the lives of their subjects.

The Okyenehene, in his address, acknowledged the benefits of the free SHS policy for every Ghanaian child.

However, he underscored the importance of addressing some challenges hindering the success of the program.

He advocated for enough classroom blocks and furniture, along with other facilities that would make learning more convenient for the schoolchildren.

Calls for good remuneration for teachers:

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin called on the government to motivate teachers by paying them good salaries.

He said teacher motivation and good remuneration for teachers are inextricably linked with quality education.

"The future of our children is dependent on quality education and skill development. Today, every Ghanaian child has access to free SHS education. We must note that it's not just about passing through the school. There must be quality education. If you provide all the amenities and you don't pay the teacher well, it affects the children's education," he said.

The Benkum Divisional Durbar is the second out of the five divisional royal durbars scheduled to be held in honor of Okyenhene's 25th-anniversary celebration.

The anniversary will be celebrated under the theme "25 Years of Sustainable Leadership and Service to Humanity."

History of the Benkum Division:

Benkum is the second-largest division within the Akyem Abuakwa State structure. It has over 300 towns and villages.

Within the Akyem Abuakwa state hierarchy, the Benkumhene, otherwise known as the Fanteakwahene, is the commander-in-chief of the left wing of the army, with his permanent residence at Begoro, the capital of the division.

The Benkum Division occupies a very large area of land.

It was the bastion of the western division of the Akyem Abuakwa Army.

In ancient times, the western part of Akyem Abuakwa State was more exposed to hostile states than any other division.

The Benkum Division shares borders with Asante, Kwahu, Akwamu, Krobo, and parts of the Volta Region.

The Benkumhene's dresses and coronets are the same as the Nifahene's; both are equal in rank.

During parades, the Benkumhene is third in line behind the Adontenhene. The Benkumhene belongs to the Royal Asona clan.

The principal chiefs in this division are the Odauhene of Osenase and Otwereso. He is equal in rank to the Benkumhene.

The Benkumhene and Begorohene, however, take precedence in all matters, civil and military, and he is the acknowledged head of the division.

The rest are chiefs of Apinaman, Osino, otherwise known as Mumuadu Sei, Suhum, Amanase, Sawirako, and Apedwa, among others.