Royal Biography
Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II is the traditional ruler of Berekuso and Twafohene of Akuapem, a respected traditional leader whose years of service have been closely associated with the preservation of the history and identity of Berekuso, community development, education, youth empowerment, and the advancement of the people under his traditional authority. As custodian of the traditions, lands, history and cultural heritage of Berekuso, Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II has sought to combine the responsibilities of traditional leadership with a forward-looking vision for the development of his people. His leadership reflects a conviction that traditional institutions have an important role to play not only in preserving the past but also in preparing communities for the future.
Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II ascended the traditional stool of Berekuso in 1996. From the beginning of his reign, he was confronted with the practical challenges facing the community, particularly in education and basic infrastructure. One of the early issues that attracted his attention was the condition of the local school. The existing school building was in poor condition, with leaking roofs and other challenges that affected both teachers and pupils. Rather than treating the situation as solely a government responsibility, the Chief worked with the elders and people of Berekuso to find a lasting solution. Under his leadership, the community acquired approximately 17 acres of land for the development of a new school compound and engaged the relevant authorities to secure support for the construction of improved educational facilities. This experience became an important foundation for his broader philosophy that the development of Berekuso must be driven by cooperation between traditional leadership, the community, government, educational institutions and development partners.
Education & Community Service
Education has become one of the defining pillars of Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II's leadership. He has consistently maintained that the future prosperity of Berekuso depends greatly on the quality of education available to its children and young people. His vision has therefore extended beyond the provision of school buildings to include teacher support, learning materials, scholarships, examination assistance, skills development and opportunities for young people. The Chief has also supported efforts to improve teacher accommodation in Berekuso. Recognising that teachers commuting from Accra could affect punctuality and attendance, he pursued support for the construction of accommodation for teachers close to the school. His educational vision developed alongside the transformation of Berekuso into an increasingly important educational community. The establishment of Ashesi University in Berekuso in 2011 became a significant milestone in this development. The relationship between the traditional leadership of Berekuso and Ashesi has been recognised as an important part of the community's educational transformation.
In November 2016, Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II established the Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II Education Fund as a structured initiative to advance his vision of education-led development. The Fund was established to mobilise support from people of Berekuso and neighbouring traditional communities, individuals with business, land and family connections to the area, and others who share a commitment to improving educational opportunities for children. Its long-term vision is to see Berekuso develop into a centre of excellence for education and purposeful development. Through the Fund, promising but financially disadvantaged students have received scholarships to continue their education at the secondary-school level. The Fund has also supported schools and teachers through learning materials, examination support, teacher-development programmes and other educational initiatives. By 2023, more than 70 students had benefited from the scholarship programme, with some beneficiaries already progressing into employment. The initiative has continued to expand. In 2024, the Fund provided examination kits to 16 schools in parts of Akuapem South and Ga West, supporting students preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II's vision for Berekuso has never been limited to individual scholarships. His broader objective has been to create an environment in which education becomes an engine for community transformation. Earlier development plans for Berekuso included aspirations for a senior high school, community centre, ICT centre, library and hospital. He has also supported the development of technical and vocational education as an important component of the community's future. In 2026, he reaffirmed his support for the establishment of a Design and Technology Institute (DTI) campus in Berekuso, explaining that modern economies require young people to possess technological, practical and hands-on skills. His support reflects an evolving vision of education that includes not only conventional academic learning but also innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and technical skills.
Leadership & Vision
Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II's years of leadership illustrate the changing role of traditional authorities in contemporary Ghana. While maintaining responsibility for the customs, traditions, lands and cultural identity of Berekuso, he has also embraced partnerships with universities, government agencies, educational organisations, development institutions and community stakeholders. His approach demonstrates that traditional leadership can serve as a bridge between heritage and modern development. For Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II, the preservation of tradition and the pursuit of development are not competing objectives. Rather, they form part of a single responsibility: to protect the heritage inherited from previous generations while creating better opportunities for those yet to come.
A recurring theme in Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II's public work is his concern for young people. His support for scholarships seeks to ensure that academic ability is not limited by financial circumstances. His interest in technical and vocational education reflects an understanding that young people need practical skills alongside academic qualifications. He has repeatedly encouraged students to take their education seriously and to use opportunities provided to them responsibly. His message to beneficiaries of the Education Fund is particularly reflective of this philosophy: the purpose of assistance is not simply to receive support but to succeed, make the community proud, and create opportunities for others in the future.
The legacy of Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II is increasingly associated with education, community development, cultural preservation and a long-term vision for Berekuso. Since becoming Chief in 1996, his leadership has witnessed significant changes in the community, including the development of educational infrastructure, the establishment of Ashesi University in the community, the creation of an education fund, the expansion of scholarship opportunities, support for schools and teachers, and renewed attention to technical and vocational education. His continuing vision is one in which Berekuso is recognised not merely as a traditional community, but as a place where education, culture, innovation and purposeful development can thrive together. Through his traditional authority, community initiatives and educational advocacy, Odeefoo Oteng Korankye II continues to encourage the people of Berekuso to value their heritage while preparing confidently for the future.