Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey, USA hosts Royal Visitor

Essex County College (ECC), Newark, New Jersey, USA will host a special visitor from Ghana, His Majesty, Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin, Okyenhene, on Friday, April 21. His Majesty will address the College and other guests from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Smith Hall on the Newark campus, following a tour of ECC’s Africana Institute.

A statement from the College on the historic visit said that the Royal Visitor “will discuss the role the Akyem Kingdom has played in the development and maintenance of Ghanaian education, culture and history. His Majesty will explain the roles and responsibilities of Okyenhene, the King of the Akyem Abuakwa State, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

“His Majesty is an outspoken advocate for the environment and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. He is a strong supporter of education to produce professionals to help preserve the environment for a positive impact throughout Ghana.

“The Rev. DeForest “Buster” Soaries, former New Jersey Secretary of State and social advocate, will be the featured speaker.”

“It’s a great privilege for the College to host His Majesty and provide a wonderful opportunity for both our students and the community to meet him,” said Dr. Akil Khalfani, Director of the Africana Institute and Sociology Professor.

A native of Ghana, ECC President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye said, “It’s a distinct honor to welcome such a distinguished guest from my homeland to our College. His Majesty has done well for he people of Akyem and beyond in critical areas including education and the environment.”

Okyenhene ascended to the Ofori Panin Stool (throne) in 1999.His visit to ECC is part of his ongoing trip to the eastern United States.

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