The choice of words appeared deliberate as Ing. Felix Atsrim, Chief Executive Officer of FeDems Limited, announced that bids for the first 10 copies of KNUST's 75th Anniversary Commemorative Book would start at "GHS 100,000 or more."

Earlier, he had set the stage with characteristic humour.

"My presence here is to coerce you to buy the book. Otumfuo himself shall sign the first ten books," he said.

He then revealed that even the starting figure had been reconsidered.

"I was looking at myself, and I was looking at starting it from maybe GHS 100,000. But when we were mentioning the names, I said, 'Ah! Why are you saying GHS 100,000? Say GHS 100,000 or more so that those who want to give more than GHS 100,000 can also come.'"

Why not begin at GHS 300,000 or even GHS 500,000?

Perhaps that is where auction psychology comes in.

In persuasion psychology, this is often described as framing the range or creating an upward anchor. By stating "GHS 100,000 or more", the auctioneer established a floor without imposing a ceiling, subtly signalling that contributions significantly above the benchmark were both welcome and expected.

Rather than prompting potential buyers to consider the minimum they could give, the phrasing encouraged them to think about how much more they could contribute. The result was that attention shifted from whether to bid at all to how far above GHS 100,000 bidders were willing to go.

The theory did not take long to be tested.

Seated prominently in the front row, the Asantehene and Chancellor, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, sat alongside the Council Chairman and Asafohene, Achamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang Bonsu.

When Achamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang Bonsu approached the lectern, the answer arrived swiftly.

"We offer the purchase of the first book that is launched today for one million cedis," he announced.

The declaration drew sustained applause from a packed Great Hall.

The momentum continued. Telecel Ghana Chief Executive Officer Patricia Obo-Nai pledged GHS 200,000 for the next copy, while other patrons and supporters followed with significant contributions.

Yet beyond the bidding and philanthropy, another story unfolded on the stage.

Neither the Asantehene nor the Chairman of the University Council wore the official anniversary cloth. Nonetheless, their traditional attire appeared remarkably aligned with the symbolism of the celebration and the university's winged 75th anniversary emblem.

Beyond the symbolic porcupine motif, Otumfuo's cloth, woven in shades of green, gold and black, featured Adinkra-inspired symbols including Krapa, Akoben and Gyawu Atiko.

The symbols reflected themes of leadership, vigilance and excellence. Krapa represents good character and moral integrity, Akoben signifies readiness and alertness, while Gyawu Atiko is associated with distinction and authority.

The Council Chairman's blue cloth carried complementary symbolism through motifs such as Aban, representing strength, security and institutional authority; Dwennimmen, symbolising humility and strength; and Nkotimsefo Mpua, associated with loyalty, service and collective responsibility.

Most striking, however, was a multicoloured strip running through both garments.

The shared strip closely resembled the well-known Kente weaving pattern "Oyokoman na ɛgya da mu", often associated with unity amid diversity and the importance of reconciliation and collective purpose. Whether an exact representation or a modified interpretation, the visual effect was unmistakable: two distinct cloths connected by a common thread.

That symbolism mirrored the relationship between KNUST and the Golden Stool.

The university's history is inseparable from the support of Asanteman, whose land made the establishment and expansion of KNUST possible. The shared strip seemed to evoke the idea of a unifying thread binding different interests, generations and stakeholders into a single institutional fabric.

Otumfuo reaffirmed that bond during the book launch.

"That is why my heart is here. Not a piece of this land will be given to anybody. The lands are all vested in the Stool," he said.

The symbolism was further reinforced by the anniversary theme, "From Excellence to Eminence: 75 Years of KNUST", a phrase inspired by the Chairman of the University Council.

Indeed, the anniversary launch was also about continuity, stewardship and shared identity. Through words, symbols and cloth, the Asantehene and the Council Chairman embodied the thread that has connected KNUST to Asanteman for 75 years, and which continues to shape its journey into the future.

Story: Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah   Photos: Emmanuel Offei