The Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabrima Kwesi Atta II, has been honoured with a Doctorate of Laws, LLD (Honoris Causa) at the University of Cape Coast for his dedicated service in the promotion of peace in Ghana.
The colourful ceremony, accompanied by pomp and pageantry from traditional rulers, dignitaries, management and staff of the University, students and residents from Cape Coast and beyond was held with great excitement and full of appreciation towards Osabarima’s achievements and contributions in Ghana.
The conferment is in recognition of the Paramount Chief’s role in promoting peace, unity and development in UCC, Central Region, Ghana and the Global Community.
During the ceremony, the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Sir Sam Jonah described him as the best landlord, whose stewardship reflects a profound understanding of cultural heritage, which he strives to preserve for future generations.
He said the University honoured Osabarima Kwesi Atta II for his exceptional service to the University Community, particularly in ensuring the peaceful co-existence between the university and its surrounding communities amidst the long-standing land litigation issues currently under resolution.
“The establishment of our university on lands that include those of the Oguaa Traditional area has been both beneficial and lately challenging. I commend the forbearance and management of the challenges by Osabarima and his predecessors, which have prevented potential conflicts and, in this regard, I support the ongoing efforts led by Professor Amoono Kwofie and others to address these issues collaboratively,” he said.
According to the Chancellor, UCC confers honorary degrees to recognize scholarly excellence, public service, social commitment, artistic merit and other noble endeavours, while also considering honouring distinguished service to the institution, country and the global community hence the honour given to Osabarima.
“Osabarima’s love for Cape Coast, his contributions to the university, his role in promoting regional unity and peace, and his advocacy for local development make him an exemplary honoree. Indeed, this honour is long overdue,” Dr. Sir Sam Jonah continued.
The Vice Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong described the honorary ceremony as significant as ‘it is the first time the university community is publicly acknowledging the contribution of our landlord’
He noted that the contribution of traditional rulers and chiefs to the advancement of African societies has long been acknowledged and in most cases celebrated, although the place of traditional rulers in modern democratic governance is still a subject of debate.
Additionally, he said increasingly clear is that traditional rulers play an important role in the lives of many Africans.
“In many countries, traditional rulers play a preeminent role as mediators of violent conflict and champion community development and transformation.”
Touting the achievement of Osabarima over the years, the vice chancellor mentioned that it is not out of place to honour the Osabarima and the University is proud to be associated with a traditional ruler and hence ‘have considered him today for this honour.”
Accepting the honour, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, now Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Dr. (H.C.) expressed profound gratitude to the University and said, “What is happening today is an act of God and I give God all the honour for what is happening to me today”
He explained the pivotal role he played in expediting the accreditation process for a medical school the University of Cape Coast during his first involvement with the university.
Osabarima Kwesi Atta II expressed pride in the collaborative effort between himself and the university emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing educational opportunities.
“So, this is how far we have come, the university, and myself, and we will continue in that vein.
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Source: Aba Aikins/ATLFMNEWS
