Christian Service University (CSU) on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 joined the Asante Kingdom at the Manhyia Palace to celebrate the first ‘Awukudae’ of the year with His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
‘Awukudae’ is a sacred event on the Asante traditional calendar observed to honour the Asantehene, remember the ancestors and reaffirm unity, continuity and leadership within the Asante Kingdom.
The courtesy visit was undertaken by the University Council, Management Board and Staff, led by the new Chancellor, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Asante, to formally greet and celebrate with the Asantehene, to express gratitude for his continued support to the University and to officially introduce the newly installed Chancellor and Management to Otumfuo.
Gratitude to Otumfuo
Speaking on behalf of the University, the Registrar explained that the visit was both customary and symbolic, noting that the University had come to honour Otumfuo on his first Awukudae in 2026 and to offer thanksgiving for his significant contributions towards the growth of the University over the years
Outdooring of First Chancellor and New Leadership
The Registrar said the visit also marked the formal introduction of CSU’s first Chancellor, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Asante to the Asantehene. The Registrar noted that the University deliberately chose a leader with deep moral authority and strong ties to Asanteman, describing the Chancellor as Otumfuo’s “Royal Son”.
Additionally, the Registrar introduced the new Chairman of the University Council, Lawyer Kwame Agyapong Boafo, a seasoned legal practitioner and, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Stephen Banahene. He finally pledged that the University’s leadership would periodically brief Otumfuo on progress of work and also seek Otumfuo’s counsel and blessings.
Chancellor Reaffirms Commitment
In his remarks, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Asante expressed profound gratitude to God and to Otumfuo for his unwavering support to the University. He shared a personal reflection as one of the first four pioneer students of CSU, underscoring his lifelong connection to the institution.
He reaffirmed that the University’s visit was to thank Otumfuo, seek his blessings, and acknowledge that CSU’s progress had been significantly shaped by the Asantehene’s wisdom and timely interventions. With humility and warmth, the Chancellor noted that Otumfuo himself is a Chancellor and expressed confidence in seeking his guidance whenever the need arises.
Otumfuo’s Blessings and Assurance
Responding to the delegation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed confidence in the Chancellor’s leadership, describing him as disciplined and effective, and encouraged him to extend these virtues in steering the University forward. He also welcomed and blessed the Vice-Chancellor, urging him to work collaboratively with the Registrar, Council Chairman, Chancellor and senior officers for the sustained growth of the University.
