The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll has lamented over the trivialization of Ghana's education system.

According to the Asantehene, university is the storehouse of knowledge, where all the knowledge required for nation building is ascertained, as the university itself is a laboratory for research, cultivation and discovery of assets to the social-physical needs of society.

He eulogized how the works of universities have informed policies that have shaped countries and societies through time, as much of the scientific and other discoveries that the revolutional society has invented, owes their reach to the university and the collabration between universities and either the state or private businesses.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu bemoaned that unfortunately in Ghana, there's hardly any evidence of the meaningful collaboration that needs to exist between the state and universities.

He recounted that one reason the role of Ghana's education has been downplayed is that the country has allowed the abrasive political divisions to permeate the sacred campuses in the country.

The revered traditional ruler made this statement following his acceptance speech to a conferment of an honorary doctorate degree in Doctor of Laws by the University of Cape Coast on Thursday.

Otumfour following his honorary award emerges the third traditional ruler to be conferred an honorary degree by UCC, after the paramount chief of the Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Area, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI and the Oguaa Manhene, Osabarimba Dr. Kwesi Atta ll, all in the Central Region.

The well attended ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed personalities likes Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, the Minister of Road and Highways, Madam Charlotte Osei, the immediate past EC boss and Chairperson of the 2024 Oguaa Fetu Afahye, Vice-Chancellor of the Koforidua Technical University, and the Central Regional Commander of the GNFS, DCFO John Amarlai Amartey.

Also in attendance was Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Education Minister, Osabarimba Dr. Kwesi Atta ll, the Oguaa Manhene, Her Ladyship Justice Barbara Ackah-Yensu, an active Supreme Court Justice, Vice- Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University, members of convocation just to mention a few.

Asantehene noted to be the time for all and sundry to wake-up to the negative impact abrasive political divisions have caused and make an effort to reverse the situation.

Fashioning a new relationship between state and academia that engages the expertise of the academia in the process of policy formulation on a continuous basis.

He asserted that this could be the beginning of continuous collaboration between academia, the state and captains of business in finding lasting solutions to many of the country's social problems.

But for this to happen, Otumfuo advised that the academia will need to win itself of gross partisanship and enshrine a culture of vigorous objectivity.

Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, Vice-Chancellor of UCC at the ceremony, saluted Otumfuo Osei Tutu for his meritorious and distinguished service to the nation.

Particularly his commitment to promoting unity and development in Asanteman and other regions as well as his significant contribution to humanity in the areas of water and sanitation, health, education, entrepreneurship, peace building, culture and heritage.

He highlighted that not only is Otumfuo been recognized for his profound contributions to Ghana, but also the invaluable lessons his reign has offered in peace building and leadership, since his dedication to conflict resolution and the stabilization of regions beyond the Ashanti kingdom has been exemplary.

The UCC Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that it is in this spirit, the University of Cape Coast draws inspiration from the wisdom of Otumfuo, particularly at a point where the university faces challenges that's echoes tabulent past.

Sompaonline.com/Eric Annan