Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, yesterday received the soccer champions to his palace.
It was an occasion that one will call historic as the chiefs in the palace welcomed the
boys as if they were their "biological sons."
The Headmaster and the 2005 National Champions on tour in Kumasi to present the trophy to various personalities
on June 16, 2005. The boys here display their gold medals. Sportsmaster Mr. Lartey is on the left, with Deputy
Sportsmaster Mr. Ofosuhene on the right.
The soccer champs before going to see the
Otumfuo went to the office of the Ashanti Regional Minister
to present the trophy to him around 9.15 am.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Samson Kwaku Boafo received the delegation made up
of some masters namely Mr. Asare Bediako (Guy Gee), Mr.Agyei Budu (Almighty), Mr Solomon Nti
(Solonesta), Mr. Lartey and Mr. Ofosuhene (the sports masters), the headmaster, Mr. Asamoah
Owusu-Achiaw, Mr.K.Y.Yeboah (1st Assistant headmaster), National Organiser of the Old
students Association, the soccer champions, some athletes
and the senior school prefects.
The group was also accompanied by members of the press and some radio presenters.
National Player of the Year, Ahmed Amoako, showing the trophy to the Ashanti Regional Minister.
The Regional Minister congratulated the boys for the honour brought to the
Ashanti Region and promised the boys a grand party as soon as they complete school.
The Minister then took pictures with the boys.
The team left for the Regional Director of Education's office.
It was all joy when they got there as the Regional Director of Education himself is
an old boy of the college. He also promised to give the boys some money which they
are to go for in three days time.
From there, the National Organiser led the captains and the sports masters to OTEC FM
where they were having a sports programme on air.
The presenter, Prince Osei Agyekum
(Honourable Prince), an old boy of Prempeh interviewed the boys and the sports masters
about the victory that they chalked for the school and to Ashanti Region in general.
The sports master, Mr Lartey emphasised the need for discipline in sports as without
discipline his boys couldn't have made it.
The Manager of Sports at the station,
Ashebue, an Okatakyie who is noted for ridiculing Prempeh any time he serves as the
commentator for the Inter-colleges and Super-Zonals, was at his wits end as he was
dumbfounded.
National Player of the Year, Ahmed Amoako,
presenting the trophy to the Regional Director of Education, who is an Amanfoo,
at his office at the Ministries.
When the phone lines were activated for people to contribute on the sports programme,
it was surprising to hear people praising Prempeh College while there were other topical
issues like the match between the Black Stars and their Bafana Bafana conterparts.
That was ignored by the listeners this time around.
After the programme, they joined their colleagues who had by then entered the
Manhyia Palace already.
The boys shook hands with the great King in turns after which
the Asantehene said, "Thank you very much for making Asanteman proud. Everything about
Prempeh College is unique. You are really different.
Asante Chiefs are educated at your school, so we don't want any disgrace coming
to this school.
Right now, I entreat each and
everyone of you to take your books seriously since the football is over.
Make us proud again for that is what you are noted of."
The Akyempemhene (1967 Assistant Senior Prefect) also told the boys to "listen to what
Nana said." He said,
"We are very proud of you. It isn't a surprise to me at all since majority
of the chiefs you see here are old boys and our sons are also schooling over there.
Keep on with the winning spree for we are behind you morally, physically, spiritually
and financially."
The trophy was then presented to Otumfuo by the headmaster.
