President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has praised the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, for his unwavering 25-year campaign against environmental degradation.
President Akufo-Addo claimed that since ascending to the Ofori Panin Stool, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has led efforts to preserve the environment, advocating against deforestation, irresponsible mining, water pollution, and actions that harm the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.
The President made these remarks during a grand durbar held over the weekend in Kyebi to celebrate Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s 25th anniversary of ascending to the Ofori Panin Stool.
The grand durbar is the climax of all the durbars commemorating the Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori.
The celebration afforded the King of Akyem Abuakwa the opportunity to tour the five divisions and interact with his divisional chiefs and subjects.
It kicked off with the Adonten divisional durbar in Kukurantumi, followed by Benkum durbar in Begoro, Nifa in Asiakwa, Oseawuo in Wenchi and Gyaase in Kwaben.
President Akufu-Addo Addo 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 stated with a smile.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin expressed gratitude to his numerous cheerleaders, the various institutions and individuals who have supported his course in the past 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Touching on Ghana’s governance system and development, he reiterated that the centrality of governance is outdated and doesn’t promote proper accountability and development.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 decentralization that empowers the local assembly to raise resources for development and control all the local institutions.
“Kwame Nkrumah initiated the concept of centralizing 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 stated.
The 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, Okuapehene and other prominent chiefs from the Central and Western region.
There was a colourful display of cultures from the various traditional authorities.
The Okyenhene is also the head of the Asona family in Ghana, referred to as Asona piesie.