We didn’t produce Otumfuo statue – KNUST

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has rejected reports that it produced the controversial statute of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, at the Kejetia roundabout in Kumasi.

Media report following the rejection of the artwork by the some residents of Kumasi had suggested that the work was produced by the KNUST.

However, in a statement, the university said the project was not produced by the Department of Painting and Sculpture, but by some lecturers of the school who took the project in their private capacity.

“Our attention has been drawn to publications on various media platforms to the effect that the statue of our revered Chancellor and Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei II, erected at the Kejetia Lorry Terminal was produced by the Department of Painting and Sculpture of this University.

“We would want to clarify the issue as follows;

1. The contract to produce Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s statue was NEVER awarded to the Department of Painting and Sculpture, KNUST. 2. The project was undertaken by 2 lecturers in their individual capacities. Hence, KNUST as an institution had nothing to do with the production of the statue. With our technical expertise, we are however more than willing to assist the public in the production of excellent monuments”.

The statue of the Asante monarch has sparked controversy as some residents say it does not bare any resemblance to the king.