Otumfuo Calls for Pan-Africanism-oriented Education in Africa
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has made a strong case for educational reforms in Ghana and Africa, calling for courses and subjects that instill Pan-Africanism in the up-and-coming generation who will soon take over the baton.
His Majesty argued that academic excellence which Africa’s educational institutions highlight is not enough to inculcate the sense of patriotism needed to save the continent.
“The pursuit of academic excellence ingrained in the nexus of your college is the most appropriate objective for any institution aspiring to greatness but academic excellence alone must be more than the accumulation of knowledge.”
Otumfuo posits that there is a need to redefine education to embrace the psychological transformation which will instil confidence, self-belief and the ambition to use the accumulated knowledge to create, build, innovate and by all legitimate means add to the stock of societal progress and development.
His Majesty believes education must be used as the tool to redefine and rewrite African history- what some historians have shoved in darkness- and create the needed hope about the continent which has borne the brunt of all the ills from other continents.
“Our blessed continent Africa currently has nothing to do with conflict in Europe that is threatening world peace nor has it been accountable for any of the factors responsible for climate change. Yet, it is undeniable that we remain casualties of miscalculations and mistakes of other protagonists including ourselves.
“Amid this explosive compound of geopolitical risks compounded by climate change and national economic headwinds what and where is the scope in pursuit of the goal of empowering our young people with academic excellence and hope through a Pan-African Education?”
He made the statement while delivering the keynote address at the 2024 SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, June 8, 2024, under the theme “Empowering African Young People for the Future, Cultivating Academic Excellence and Hope Through Pan African Education”.
