Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie, son of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is set to pursue a degree in astronomy at Wesleyan University in the United States after graduating from Delhi Public School (DPS) International in Tema.
The young royal will study a subject that focuses on stars, planets, space, and the science that explains how the universe works.
His choice of study stands out, especially as astronomy is still a developing field in Ghana’s higher education system. In a post shared on social media by “Ashanti Nation,” it was noted that while interest is growing, full university programmes in astronomy are still rare in Ghana.
“Traditional universities are now getting involved academically but don’t yet offer full degrees in astronomy. KNUST (Kumasi) hosted the first national Astronomy & Space Science Conference in November 2023, signalling growing student interest,” the post said.
Ghana has taken steps toward space science in recent years. The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute was set up in 2012, and in 2017, Ghana launched its first satellite, GhanaSat-1. However, specialised university degrees in astronomy remain limited, making overseas study an important option for Ghanaian students interested in the field.
Wesleyan University, a private liberal arts institution in North Carolina, is known for its strong science programmes and competitive admissions.
Oheneba Kyeretwie’s admission to Wesleyan was announced on his graduation day, Saturday 21 June, in a ceremony attended by his parents, the Asantehene and Lady Julia Osei Tutu.
He served as Head Boy at DPS International and was featured in a video shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showing him celebrating with classmates and family.
Speaking about the big moment, he said: “I feel great, but nervous. Everyone is here, and all the cameras are on me.”
His comments reflected the attention that comes with being part of one of Ghana’s most respected royal families. The Ashanti Kingdom, with a population of over five million people, holds strong cultural and economic importance in the country.
Oheneba’s choice to study astronomy comes at a time when Ghana is working to boost science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. While progress has been made, challenges like limited infrastructure and teacher training remain.
His academic path could serve as a source of inspiration for young Ghanaians to explore careers in science and technology fields that are vital for the country’s future.
