Kumasi, April 23, GNA - The Ghana Education Service (GES), has congratulated Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary celebration of his enstoolment as the 16th King of the Asante Kingdom.

A statement signed by Mr. Joseph Kwabena Onyinah, Ashanti Regional Director of Education, acknowledged the Asantehene's services and vision that has transformed chieftaincy and made it an important instrument in the socio-economic development of the people. The GCE expressed it's gratitude to the Asantehene for initiating "Promoting Partnership with Traditional Authorities Project (PPTP)", which included the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of primary school buildings in 100 deprived communities identified in the Asante Kingdom.

"Under the programme, teachers residential quarters, library, books, furniture and borehole waster systems have been provided in each beneficiary schools", the statement indicated. It said many brilliant but needy pupils and students in pre-tertiary and tertiary institutions throughout the country were granted scholarships, bursaries and other incentive packages under the Otumfuo Educational Fund.

The statement said "Indeed, your policy to support the development of education in the country is driven by your passion for human resource development from the basic education to the tertiary level" the message said.

It said the GES expressed its appreciation and gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu for his vision, foresight, initiative and partnership with the government to build literate, civilized and progressive citizenry.