The Saint Peter’s University community rolled out the royal red carpet Monday for visit like no other — from a king.
His Majesty Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the king of Akyem Abuakwa in Ghana, spoke to students, faculty and guests at the MacMahon Center in Jersey City, and then exchanged gifts with university President Eugene J. Cornacchia.
Cornacchia gave the king a commemorative rendering of the campus that was commissioned for the university’s sesquicentennial last year, as well as a Saint Peter’s golf shirt.
The king gave the school president a traditional mask.
Osagyefuo Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin was enthroned on Oct. 4, 1999 on the passing of his predecessor and brother, Nana Kuntunkununku II.
He is the 34th king to ascend the Ofori Panin Stool. He attended the Akwatia Cast gSchool and has his secondary education at Abuakwa State College and sixth form at College of Further Studies, Oxford.
He also studied political science and public administration at Hartford University in Connecticut.
On ascending the throne, Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin pledged real economic development, commercial growth and the general progress and welfare of his people.
Among the topics he discussed Monday, the king spoke of his environmental efforts and his conservation campaign that has generated awareness of environmental issues and led to the establishment of the Okyeman Environment Foundation to manage environment concerns.
He has been a strong advocate and demonstrated great commitment for education, healthcare and child welfare. Osagyefuo has established projects across Okyeman which include scholarships for students and teachers, library facilities, playgrounds and community centers.
He established the Okyeman HIV/AIDS Education Week to coincide with World Aids Day. In addition, on his initiative, the Ghana Society for the Blind set up The Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin Fund for the Blind.
The Fund has in its existence raised substantial amounts to support the blind in the community.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Saint Peter’s University
