At a special congregation, the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has conferred an honorary doctorate on the Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II.
The honorary award was in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the advancement of society, as well as his visionary leadership and distinguished service to the nation, the University, the global community and humanity at large.
The Chancellor of UCC, Dr. Sir Sam Jonah and the Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, together decorated Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, making the Omanhen the 53rd recipient of an honorary degree from the University.
After receiving the honours, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, thanked God, stressing that he was very humbled by the honour done to him by the University. He assured the University of his unalloyed commitment to resolving the longstanding challenges between the University and some of its host communities.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II used the occasion to appeal to UCC to adapt and nurture elementary schools in Cape Coast to make them competitive to improve their academic performance.
"It is disheartening when results of BECE are released and the results of Cape Coast schools are horrible. We have to change the situation and the only way we can do that is to get expertise from UCC to assist in that regard," he said.
As a gesture of goodwill, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, who is also a chartered accountant, pledged to present a cash prize of GHS 2,000.00 to the best graduating BSc Accounting student every year.
"Because I am an Accountant, I am close to the accounting students of the University, so I will offer the best graduating BSc Accounting student every year GH¢2, 000.00," he said.
Chancellor of UCC, Dr. Sir Sam Jonah
For his part, the Chancellor of UCC, Dr. Sir Sam Jonah, eulogised the Oguaamanhen describing him as an "extraordinary achiever whose contributions to society were indelible."
He pointed out that the stewardship of the Paramount Chief reflected a profound understanding of the cultural heritage he strived to preserve for future generations.
Sir Jonah hailed Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II for his role in forestalling potential conflicts between the University and surrounding communities.
"Indeed, the honour is long overdue. He is arguably the best landlord that I know on this planet. Osaabarimba'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 honouree," he added.
In a remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Boampong, praised Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II for his critical role in fostering education and empowering the youth.
"It was particularly through his effort that the 30% Senior High School placement quota was assigned to the Oguaa Traditional Area, facilitating increased access to education for people of Cape Coasters. The polytechnic was also upgraded to a technical university, contributing to the advancement of technical education," he continued.
Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong
Prof. Boampong recognised the Oguaamanhen’s influence in the city's infrastructure development, including the Kotokoraba Market, the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, and the Atta Mills Presidential Library.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II after taking the Alumni oath, which was administered by the President of the UCC Alumni Association, Mr. Samuel Akoto Danso, was presented with a citation of honour from the association as well as another from the Cape Coast District Society of the Association of Chartered Accounts Ghana. The Chancellor, Dr. Sir Sam Jonah with other principal officers of the University also inspected a gallery exhibition mounted in honour of the Oguaamanhen. It documented his accomplishments over the years.
The occasion was also graced by the chairman of the UCC governing council, Prof. Harold Stewart Amonoo-Kuofi; Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene; Registrar, Mr. Jeff Teye Emmanuel Onyame; diplomats; members of the Central Regional House of Chiefs; rulers from the Oguaa Traditional area, and the clergy amongst others.
In attendance were Vivace Symphonials and the Adisadel College Band.
Who is Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II?
•Born on Saturday, 20th January, 1940 in Cape Coast (Oguaa)
•Known in private life as Mr. Joseph Kwamena Sekum Haizel
•Had elementary education at the Government Boys' School, Cape Coast and completed in 1953.
• Attended Adisadel College and completed in 1958.
• Enrolled at the School of Administration (Achimota) from 1960 to 1963 to read an Accountancy Professional Course.
• Awarded Government Scholarship to the College of Commerce and distribution in Glasgow (Scotland) from 1965 to 1969 where he qualified as a Professional Accountant with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and became a member of the Ghana Institute of Taxation.
• Worked as an Investigating Accountant at the Internal Revenue Service from 1970 to 1971.
•Became a Senior Audit Manager at Deloitte and Touche (a firm of Professional Accountants) and later a partner to the firm from 1971 to 1983.
•Rose through the ranks to become the Internal Auditor at Mankoadze Fisheries Limited from 1983 to 1986.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II in a shot with Principal Officers of UCC and traditional rulers
• Worked with Wayys & Freytag (a German Civil Engineering and Construction Company in Ghana), where he was in charge of Administration from 1986 to 1988 and subsequently became the General Manager till 2001.
• Served as Commissioner and played a pivotal role at the Ghana Constitution Review Commission in 2012 and also served on numerous boards.
•Installed as Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area and thus became the 9th Occupant of the Nana Birempong Cudjoe Royal Stool of Oguaa and the only one traditionally entitled to ride in a Denke-Denke (palanquin) with three traditional state umbrellas over him.
• His dispute-resolution skills and interventions as Paramount Chief has brought peace between the University and the surrounding communities.
•Enjoys listening to classical and religious music.
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, he received a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD), Honoris Causa from the University of Cape Coast.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC