Education paved my path to Otumfuo encounter – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak says education made it possible for him to share a stage with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The Builsa South MP made the remarks after his first meeting with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the 75th Speech and Prize Giving Day of T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School in Kumasi on March 28, 2026.

Reflecting on the encounter, Dr. Apaak described the moment as both humbling and inspiring, noting that his journey to that stage was shaped by education.

“But for the holistic power of education, would I have had the opportunity to represent my constituents, serve in John Dramani Mahama’s government, and meet the Asantehene?” he questioned.

He emphasised that the experience reinforced his belief in education as a life-changing force.

“Education is the most transforming force. But for education, what would be the chances of a Builsa man from Doninga sharing a stage with His Majesty the Asantehene,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak recounted that both he and the Asantehene were scheduled to address the gathering, but time constraints nearly disrupted the programme.

Organisers had urged him to shorten his speech to allow Otumfuo attend another engagement.

However, the Asantehene declined the proposal and insisted that the Deputy Minister proceed with his full remarks.

“My son, present your speech in full. I will no longer speak. I want to hear everything you have to say,” he quoted Otumfuo as saying.

According to him, the gesture further underscored the values of leadership and humility.

He later reflected on the significance of the moment, stressing that education and character remain essential pillars of national development.

“Indeed, education is the most powerful transformative force, and humility is the true mark of greatness,” he concluded, describing the experience as “exciting and thought-provoking.”