Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s fight against environmental degradation in the country for the past twenty five years has been appreciated by President Akufo-Addo.
Speaking at a colourful durbar to mark 25 years of Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s ascension to the Ofori Payin stool over the weekend, President Akufo-Addo said Osagyefo Ofori Panin had been a lead advocate for the preservation of the environment and had led various campaigns against deforestation, irresponsible mining, pollution of water bodies and activities that contribute to the depletion of the Ozone layer and global warming.
“Today, the advocacy you started 25 years ago has become an issue of serious concern to all. Many groups and institutions have seen the need to join the campaign against irresponsible mining and the need to protect the environment. You have done well. You have promoted peace and development in Okyeman. The world has seen your dedication and humility towards mankind”, he said.
President Akufu-Addo , who is also a native of Kyebi, encouraged Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin not to be disturbed by personal attacks against his person, but to focus on his dedication to the service of humanity.
“As for the insults, don’t worry, just be focused, if you complain of insults, then what about me?” Akufu Addo said with a smile.
On his part,Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin expressed gratitude to his numerous cheerleaders, the various institutions and individuals who have supported his course in the last 25 years.
Touching on Ghana’s governance system and development, he reiterated that the centrality of governance is outdated and doesn’t promote proper accountability and development.
He called for proper decentralisation that empower the local assembly to raise resources for its development and has control over all the local institutions.
“Kwame Nkrumah initiated the concept of centralising our resources and governance system, we send all our resources to the national coffers and governance is controlled at the top. This system hasn’t helped us and we need to change”, Okyenhene said.
The grand anniversary durbar was attended by prominent chiefs across the country including the Ga Mantse, Nungua Mantse, Osu Mantse, New Juabenmanhene, Ejisu and Manso Nkwanta Chiefs, Offinsohene, Yilo Krobo Chief, Kwahu Tafo chief and some Asona Chiefs, Okuapenhene and other prominent chiefs from the Central and Western regions.
There was a colourful display of culture from the various traditional authorities represented at the durbar.
The Okyenhene is also the head of the Asona family in Ghana, referred to as AsonaPiesie.
The grand durbar was the climax of all the durbars commemorating OsagyefuoAmoatia Ofori Panin’s 25th anniversary celebration.
The celebration afforded the King of Akyem Abuakwa the opportunity to tour the five divisions and interacted with his divisional chiefs and subjects.
It kicked off with the Adonten divisional durbar at Kukurantumi, followed by Benkum durbar at Begoro, Nifa in Asiakwa, Oseawuo in Wenchi and Gyaase in Kwaben.
