The Member of Parliament for Builsa South and Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has shared a remarkable encounter with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, highlighting the monarch’s humility and the transformative power of education.

The interaction took place during the 75th Speech and Prize Giving Day of T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School in Kumasi on Saturday, March 28, 2026, where both dignitaries were billed to play key roles in the celebration.

Dr. Apaak recounted that meeting the Asantehene for the first time was a memorable experience, describing his admiration for the revered traditional leader.

According to him, he was pleasantly surprised when Otumfuo personally acknowledged him upon greeting, calling him by name and engaging him warmly.

As proceedings unfolded, Dr. Apaak said he reflected on the role education had played in shaping his journey—from representing his constituents to serving in government and ultimately sharing a stage with one of Ghana’s most respected traditional authorities.

A defining moment of the event occurred when organisers, due to time constraints and the Asantehene’s subsequent engagements, proposed that Dr. Apaak shorten his speech to allow Otumfuo to address the gathering before departing. However, in an unexpected turn, the Asantehene declined the proposal.

“My son, present your speech in full. I will no longer speak. I want to hear everything you have to say,” Otumfuo reportedly told him, adding that he would wait until the speech concluded before proceeding to other engagements.

True to his word, the Asantehene remained seated throughout Dr. Apaak’s address.

Afterwards, both dignitaries, together with the Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Mission and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, participated in cutting the anniversary cake and inaugurating a newly constructed girls’ dormitory. 

The facility was built in honour of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

Dr. Apaak described the gesture as a profound demonstration of humility, noting that the Asantehene could have chosen to proceed with his own address or leave early due to his busy schedule.

Instead, he opted to listen attentively.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Apaak emphasised two key lessons: the unmatched power of education in transforming lives and the importance of humility as a defining trait of true leadership.

He concluded that the encounter reinforced his belief that education remains a vital tool for opportunity, while humility continues to distinguish great leaders like the Asantehene.