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The University of Oxford’s Exeter College paid tribute to its esteemed alumnus, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, by unveiling two art pieces featuring his likeness. These commissioned works, a photographic portrait, and an oil painting, now adorn the halls of two historic buildings—the 18th-century Cohen Quad and the medieval 1600s dining hall.
The ceremony, held last Tuesday, was officiated by Sir Rick Trainor, the college’s historian and Rector, and attended by notable guests, including Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Lady Julia, Lord Boateng of the British House of Lords, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK Papa Owusu-Ankomah, African ambassadors in Europe, and President Kufuor’s family members.
Expressing pride in Mr. Kufuor as one of the college’s famous alums, Sir Trainor emphasized the honor bestowed upon him by displaying his portraits alongside those of the college’s founders and other distinguished individuals. He lauded the planning team, comprising Yvonne Rainy, the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, historian Ivor Agyeman-Duah (also Mr. Kufuor’s biographer), and Amelia Crosse, the Alumni Relations and Events Officer, for their two-year effort in organizing the event.
During a dinner hosted by Fidelity Bank, Asantehene acknowledged Mr. Kufuor’s humility and dedication to serving Ghana, which had garnered admiration and recognition at the college, university, and worldwide. The former President, in gratitude, expressed his surprise and appreciation for such an honor fifty years after leaving Oxford, where he met his wife, who unfortunately couldn’t attend due to ill health.
Mr. Agyeman-Duah, the author of the book “Art and the Power of Goodness: A Collection of John Agyekum Kufuor,” later autographed by the former President for Asantehene and other distinguished guests, highlighted the significance of art in the university’s ancient traditions. Placing Mr. Kufuor’s portraits in the esteemed dining hall, surrounded by the intellectual giants of the past seven centuries, symbolized the profound value attributed to him as an alumnus.
He believed the portraits would resonate with the millions who have viewed them for generations.
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Source: Omanghana.com
