In a grand display of honour and appreciation, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi, has unveiled a magnificent statue to honour His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and Chancellor of the University. The statue, which stands 10 feet tall, at the Unity Hall Roundabout of the KNUST campus was unveiled to commemorate the invaluable contributions of the Asantehene towards the development of the University.
The creatives behind this monument were Professor Edwin Kwesi Bodjawah, Head of the Department of Painting and Sculpture and KNUST Museum; Dr. George Ampratwum, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Painting and Sculpture. The two were assisted by Kwasi Adande, Kofi Congo, and Yaw Jakpasu, Staff at the Department; Gabriel Bekoe, Emmanuel Amponsah, Joshua Afoakwah, Quartey-Papafio Ago Kwateboi, Agyei Antwi, Israel Monyekor and Ransford Darko, Teaching Assistants, and Alumni of the Department.
According to Professor Bodjawah, the symbols and colours used in the creation of the statue were carefully selected to reflect the Asante Kingdom's rich cultural heritage. The gold colour used on the statue and bollard tops represents the wealth of the Asante Kingdom, while the black colour used on the bollards represents Africa's race, as seen in the Asante flag. The statue is adorned with adinkra symbols, including the akofena, symbolising the authority, gallantry, and valour of the Asantehene. The colossal statue, situated on a 6ft high pedestal, also features the King's stool, the Ohene Adwa, which highlights the King's authority and leadership.
Members of the creative team expressed their excitement for being part of the project, emphasising that the creation of the statue has given them a bigger platform to showcase their creativity and elevated the image of the Department of Painting and Sculpture, KNUST.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson congratulated Professor Bodjawah and his team for their remarkable achievements and expressed her admiration for the masterpiece. She urged the Department to capitalise on this win to promote art in every corner of the University.
The statue was unveiled on Friday, 17th March, 2023.