Asantehene does not intend to take over schools

Mr I. K. Gyasi, Executive Secretary of the Board of Trustee of the Otumfuo Education Fund, has stated that the establishment of the Fund was not a ploy nor an attempt by the Asantehene to take control of public schools from the government, as being speculated in certain circles.

He said contrary to such unfounded speculations, the Asantehene's motive for setting up the Otumfuo Education Fund was to rather complement national efforts at improving the quality of education and also making formal education accessible and affordable to all school-going children.

Mr Gyasi made the statement when he received a cheque for five million cedis presented by the Crops Research Institute (CRI) as their contribution to the fund at Manhyia, Kumasi on Thursday.

The Executive Secretary of the Fund, observed that such negative remarks, which were tailored at discouraging the Asantehene from his noble pursuit would not in any way deter him from his resolve to help to bring formal education to the doorsteps of children of school-going age at all levels.

Mr Gyasi commended the Management and staff of the CRI for their practical show of concern for quality education in the system and pledged that the money would be judiciously used and for the purpose for which it was donated.

Dr. John A. Otoo, Director of the CRI, who presented the cheque on behalf of Institute, said it was the monthly contributions made by the Director and staff.

He said the decision to contribute to the fund followed their acknowledgement that the Otumfuo Education Fund had been of tremendous benefit to students, not only from Asanteman but also from other parts of the country.