The 75th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School in Kumasi turned into a remarkable moment of reflection and inspiration, as Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, shared a profound personal encounter with the Asantehene.
The high-profile event, held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, brought together dignitaries, education stakeholders, and traditional leaders, including His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whose presence elevated the significance of the celebration.
In a reflective account, Dr. Apaak revealed that the occasion marked his first-ever personal interaction with the revered monarch, an experience he described as both exciting and deeply humbling.
“I’ve long admired Asantehene, so you can imagine my level of excitement when I greeted him, and he responded by first saying my name: Clement, he said, how are you? I responded, ‘I’m well, sir,’” Dr. Apaak recounted.
The Deputy Minister noted that beyond the ceremonial atmosphere, the event triggered deeper reflections about the transformative power of education in shaping destinies and bridging social divides.
“But for the holistic power of education, would I have had the opportunity to represent my constituents, serve in John Dramani Mahama’s government, and meet the Asantehene?” he pondered.
Seated side by side on the dais, Dr. Apaak and the Asantehene exchanged ideas as proceedings unfolded, with the monarch offering words of encouragement that left a lasting impression on the Deputy Minister.
Dr. Apaak had been scheduled to deliver remarks on behalf of his minister and the government ahead of the Asantehene’s keynote address.
However, delays in the programme forced organisers to reconsider the sequence of activities.
With the Asantehene expected at another engagement, organisers proposed that Dr. Apaak shorten his speech to allow the King to address the gathering and proceed to commission a newly constructed girls’ dormitory.
The dormitory, built by a close associate of the Asantehene, was in honour of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the Asantehene declined the organisers’ proposal, choosing instead to prioritise Dr. Apaak’s full address.
“‘My son, present your speech in full. I will no longer speak. I want to hear everything you have to say. I will wait for you to finish, and then we will go together to commission the dormitory before I leave,’” Dr. Apaak quoted the monarch as saying.
The gesture left the Deputy Minister astonished, as it demonstrated a rare display of humility and respect from one of Africa’s most revered traditional rulers.
True to his word, the Asantehene remained seated throughout Dr. Apaak’s full presentation, listening attentively before proceeding with the rest of the programme.
Following the speech, Dr. Apaak joined the Asantehene, the Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Mission, and Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene to cut the anniversary cake.
The dignitaries later moved in a procession to commission the girls’ dormitory, a project dedicated to preserving the legacy of the late Queen Mother.
After the Asantehene’s departure, Dr. Apaak returned to the event grounds alongside the Ameer for the final phase of the celebration, which featured the presentation of awards to deserving individuals.
Reflecting on the encounter during his journey back, Dr. Apaak wrote that one dominant thought lingered in his mind—the humility of the Asantehene.
“It’s only humility that can explain his decision to decline addressing the gathering so that I could present my speech in full,” he stated.
He added that the Asantehene could easily have chosen otherwise or departed early due to his tight schedule, yet he opted to stay and listen patiently.
Dr. Apaak concluded that the experience reinforced two fundamental beliefs about life and leadership—education and humility.
“Education is the most transforming force. But for education, what would be the chances of a Builsa man from Doninga sharing a stage with His Majesty the Asantehene in Kumasi?” he reflected.
He further emphasised, “Humility is the true mark of greatness. But for his humility, why would His Majesty yield to me and sit to listen to me present my statement in full?”
The Deputy Minister said he felt compelled to share the experience because of its powerful lessons for leadership, governance, and personal growth.
“Indeed, education is the most powerful transformative force, and humility is the true mark of greatness,” he concluded.
The event, while marking a historic milestone for the school, ultimately became a compelling narrative of leadership values, leaving attendees and observers with enduring lessons on the virtues that define true greatness.
