The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has denied reports that its Department of Painting and Sculpture erected the statue of Asante monarch Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Kumasi Kejetia Redevelopment project.

It, however, clarified that some lecturers of the school took up the contract in their private capacity and executed same.

“Our attention has been drawn to publications on various media platforms to the effect that the statue of our revered Chancellor and Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, erected at the Kejetia Lorry Terminal was produced by the Department of Painting and Sculpture of this University.

“We would want to clarify the issue as follows: 1. The contract to produce Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s statue was NEVER awarded to the Department of Painting and Sculpture, KNUST. 2. The project was undertaken by two lecturers in their individual capacities. Hence, KNUST as an institution had nothing to do with the production of the statue. With our technical expertise, we are, however, more than willing to assist the public in the production of excellent monuments”.

KNUST’s clarification comes a day after members of the Kumasi Youth Association (KuYA) said they will petition the Manhyia Palace over the statue which they consider to be ugly.

The association wants the palace to summon the sculptors and force them to pull down the statue and put up a more befitting one.

The General Secretary of the Association, Kwabena Frimpong told Kumasi Morning Show on Kumasi 104.1FM on Monday, 6 May 2019 that the statue, does not resemble the Asante monarch.

Mr Frimpong told show host Akwesi Agudey that the association has also taken note of several public concerns and numerous calls for the statue to be pulled down.

He said KuYA has given the contractors some time to pull down the statue and put up a more complimentary one or they will petition the Manhyia Palace to force the downing of the statue.

The statue was unveiled by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Thursday, 2 May 2019.

The statue has become the toast of social media trolls.