Kumasi (Ashanti), 9 Feb. '99 - Otumfuo Opoku Ware the Second, Asantehene, plans to launch a major programme to reform ''certain critical areas of Asante customary laws''. The objective is to help create a more enabling environment for social justice, stability and development of the Ashanti region. This was contained in a statement read for him by Nana (Dr) Susubribi Krobea Asante, Omanhene of Asokore Traditional Area, at a grand durbar organised to showcase paramount chiefs who attended Prempeh College in Kumasi on Saturday. The Asantehene is a past student of the college. The durbar, which formed part of activities to mark the Golden Jubilee celebration of the college, was used to raise funds to expand the college's infrastructure. The Asantehene said some aspects of Asante funeral customary rites had been reformed, adding that chieftaincy is about service and development and not "some esoteric ritual exercise''. ''There is no reason why royals with appropriate skills cannot make their respective contributions to their communities and the nation at large". Otumfuo Opoku Ware told the new breed of chiefs who have specialised in various fields of human endeavour to bring fresh insights into the chieftaincy institution and help provide solutions to developmental problems. The Asantehene noted that the high academic profile of many people now occupying stools had effectively assisted to debunk the myth that chieftaincy is the preserve of the illiterate and the unsophisticated. Otumfuo Opoku Ware expressed appreciation to churches and missionaries for promoting education in the Ashanti region and pledged his readiness to support efforts at improving conditions in the college. Mr Yaw Manu-Sarpong, chairman of the Jubilee Planning Committee, said funds raised from the celebrations would be used to build an additional dormitory to be christened ''Opoku Ware House''. He said old students of the college were paying flat contributions of 200,000 cedis towards the project and asked all past students to ensure prompt payment. Dr Ebenezer Osei Tutu, president of the Prempeh College Old Students Association, expressed the determination of the past students to see to the physical, academic and moral development of the college and its students. Mr Ebenezer Sekyere, the Headmaster, in a welcoming address, said that due to lack of facilities, the college could admit only 500 out of 1,600 students who applied for admission. He, therefore, appealed for public support for the completion of an on-going library project that was started 24 years ago, as well as the expansion of other facilities, and infrastructure in the school. Prempeh College, one of the top quality boys second cycle schools in the country, has within 50 years of its existence turned out high profile academicians and professionals, nine of whom are now paramount chiefs. They include Osagyefo Kuntunkununku the Second, Okyenhene and President of the National House of Chiefs, Nana Osei Bonsu the Second, Mamponghene, Nana Asumadu Sakyi the Second, Kumawuhene, Nana Ofori Agyeman, Adansihene, and Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem, Acherensuahene. The rest are Daasebre Oti Boateng, New Juabenhene, Daasebre Akuamoa Boateng the Second, Kwahuhene, and Kpeteple Narh Dawutey the Sixth, Konor of Manya Krobo.
Kumasi (Ashanti), 9 Feb. '99 - Otumfuo Opoku Ware the Second, Asantehene, plans to launch a major programme to reform ''certain critical areas of Asante customary laws''. The objective is to help create a more enabling environment for social justice, stability and development of the Ashanti region. This was contained in a statement read for him by Nana (Dr) Susubribi Krobea Asante, Omanhene of Asokore Traditional Area, at a grand durbar organised to showcase paramount chiefs who attended Prempeh College in Kumasi on Saturday. The Asantehene is a past student of the college. The durbar, which formed part of activities to mark the Golden Jubilee celebration of the college, was used to raise funds to expand the college's infrastructure. The Asantehene said some aspects of Asante funeral customary rites had been reformed, adding that chieftaincy is about service and development and not "some esoteric ritual exercise''. ''There is no reason why royals with appropriate skills cannot make their respective contributions to their communities and the nation at large". Otumfuo Opoku Ware told the new breed of chiefs who have specialised in various fields of human endeavour to bring fresh insights into the chieftaincy institution and help provide solutions to developmental problems. The Asantehene noted that the high academic profile of many people now occupying stools had effectively assisted to debunk the myth that chieftaincy is the preserve of the illiterate and the unsophisticated. Otumfuo Opoku Ware expressed appreciation to churches and missionaries for promoting education in the Ashanti region and pledged his readiness to support efforts at improving conditions in the college. Mr Yaw Manu-Sarpong, chairman of the Jubilee Planning Committee, said funds raised from the celebrations would be used to build an additional dormitory to be christened ''Opoku Ware House''. He said old students of the college were paying flat contributions of 200,000 cedis towards the project and asked all past students to ensure prompt payment. Dr Ebenezer Osei Tutu, president of the Prempeh College Old Students Association, expressed the determination of the past students to see to the physical, academic and moral development of the college and its students. Mr Ebenezer Sekyere, the Headmaster, in a welcoming address, said that due to lack of facilities, the college could admit only 500 out of 1,600 students who applied for admission. He, therefore, appealed for public support for the completion of an on-going library project that was started 24 years ago, as well as the expansion of other facilities, and infrastructure in the school. Prempeh College, one of the top quality boys second cycle schools in the country, has within 50 years of its existence turned out high profile academicians and professionals, nine of whom are now paramount chiefs. They include Osagyefo Kuntunkununku the Second, Okyenhene and President of the National House of Chiefs, Nana Osei Bonsu the Second, Mamponghene, Nana Asumadu Sakyi the Second, Kumawuhene, Nana Ofori Agyeman, Adansihene, and Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem, Acherensuahene. The rest are Daasebre Oti Boateng, New Juabenhene, Daasebre Akuamoa Boateng the Second, Kwahuhene, and Kpeteple Narh Dawutey the Sixth, Konor of Manya Krobo.
