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Sunday, June 22, 2025

Asantehene’s son to chart future in Astronomy at Wesleyan University


Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie, the son of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is set to embark on an academic journey in astronomy, having gained admission to Wesleyan University, North Carolina, United States, after graduating from the Delhi Public School (DPS) International in Tema.

The young royal will soon delve into the captivating scientific discipline that explores celestial bodies, the vastness of space, and the fundamental laws governing the physical universe.

The news, initially shared by the social media platform “Ashanti Nation”, highlights a unique academic pursuit, especially given the current educational landscape in Ghana.

As the “Ashanti Nation” account pointed out, “Traditional universities are now getting involved academically but don’t yet offer full degrees in astronomy. KNUST (Kumasi) hosted the first national Astronomy & Space Science Conference in November 2023, signalling growing student interest.”

This underscores the groundbreaking nature of Oheneba Kyeretwie’s chosen field, as formal, dedicated undergraduate programmes in astronomy are largely nascent or non-existent in Ghana’s public higher education institutions.

Ghana’s engagement with space science has been growing, notably through the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), established in 2012, and the launch of GhanaSat-1, the country’s first satellite, in 2017.

However, the academic pipeline for pure astronomy remains underdeveloped, making international education a vital pathway for aspiring astrophysicists from the West African nation.

Wesleyan University, a highly selective private liberal arts institution with a competitive acceptance rate, offers a robust programme in this cutting-edge field.

The announcement coincided with Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie’s graduation day on Saturday, June 21, 2025, an occasion marked by significant attention due to the presence of his esteemed parents, the Asantehene and Lady Julia Osei Tutu.

The young Asanteman prince, who notably served as Head Boy of DPS International Ghana in Tema, Greater Accra Region, was featured in a widely shared video on X (formerly Twitter), capturing his emotions amidst the celebratory atmosphere.

When approached and asked about his feelings on such a momentous day, Nana Kwame Kyeretwie candidly expressed a mix of excitement and nerves.

He responded, “I feel great, but nervous. Everyone is here, and all the cameras are on me.”

His words reflect the immense spotlight that comes with being a member of the revered Ashanti Royal Family, which represents the cultural and traditional authority of the Ashanti Kingdom, home to over 5 million people and a significant economic force in Ghana.

Oheneba Kyeretwie’s pursuit of a degree in Astronomy not only signifies a personal milestone but also resonates with Ghana’s broader push for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

While Ghana has intensified efforts to promote STEM, facing challenges like inadequate infrastructure and teacher training, the royal’s choice of study could serve as a powerful inspiration for countless young Ghanaians to explore unconventional yet critical scientific fields that hold the key to future innovation and global competitiveness.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

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