Hon Paul Boateng, British Chief Secretary to the Treasury has praised Ghana's track record in good governance.
He said the example set by the Government in relation to its adherence to the principles of good governance and transparency was appreciated by Her Majesty’s Government.
He said through Ghana’s track record underpinned by the rule of law, peace and stability, the country had set a pace for the rest of Africa.
Speaking during discussions with Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin in his office, Mr. Boateng said one of the hallmarks of good governance in Ghana was the Government’s recognition of the indispensable role of traditional authorities.
“This is a lesson that needs to be learnt in Africa where there are traces of tension between the Government and traditional rulers,” he said.
He urged the Government to continue to deepen democratic culture in the overall interest of the country and for the sake of future generations.
Replying Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin stated that traditional authorities were assisting the Government in the development of the country; thus giving concrete expression to the concept of decentralisation.
He explained that the objective of the visit was to build bridges with development agencies, the Government and the private sector and expressed the hope that the outcome of his deliberations would enhance relations with the Okyenman Traditional area and the aforementioned.
H.E. Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana’s High Commissioner observed that the Government of Ghana considered chieftaincy institutions as vital partners for the progress of the country.
He explained that the Government valued its relations with the British Government and appreciated the moral and financial contributions of the UK Government towards the socio-economic development of the country.
Present at the discussions included Mr. Adolphus Arthur, Minister/Head of Chancery, Nana Asante Bediatuo, Apagyahene of Akyem Abuakwa and the Managing Director of City Savings Bank, Mr. E.C. Asihene, District Chief Executive of the East Akyem District, Mr Ken Ofori Attah, Executive Chairman of Databank Financial Services Ltd. and Mr. Frank Adu Jnr, Managing Director of CAL Merchant Bank Ltd, Accra.
Issued by the Ghana High Commission London 04/07/2003
PRESS RELEASE
OKYENHENE OSAGYEFUO AMOATIA OFORI PANIN CONFERS WITH LORD WILLIAMS OF MORSTON, PRESIDENT OF HOUSE OF LORDS
Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has said in London that his passion for sustainable development had led him to spearhead campaigns for conservation, sustainable agricultural development and eco-tourism.
He outlined the work being done by the Okyeman Environmental Foundation whose main focus centred on bio-diversity and how to improve the livelihoods at the rural community levels.
He made the remarks at a meeting with Lord Williams, President of the House of Lords in London as part of his 15-day working visit to the UK.
Accompanying Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin were Mr. Kwabena Baah-Duodu, Deputy High Commissioner, Okyenhene's wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofori Attah, Nana Poku Ofori Attah, Chief Executive of Africa Media Core, Mr. Ken Ofori Attah, Executive Chairman of Databank Financial Services, Nana Asante Bediatuo, Apagyahene of Akyem Abuakwa and Managing Director of City Savings Bank and Mr. Frank Adu Jnr, Managing Director of CAL Merchant Bank.
He explained that the aim of his visit was to "try to build bridges" with developmental agencies, the British Government and the private sector.
Osagyefuo Ofori Panin stated that he was keen to improve upon the performance of the traditional authorities for he believed that it was by the involvement of the central government, the district assemblies and the traditional authorities in development that we would have holistic approach to development.
He stressed the need for Akyem Abuakwa to reconnect with United Kingdom after fifty years recalling that his grandfather, Nana Ofori Attah I, the first African to be knighted, was very influential in fostering the development agenda in Ghana.
Lord Williams commended Osagyefuo Ofori Panin for his initiative and drive aimed at finding solutions to the problems confronting the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional area. He said it was interesting to have diversity in a unitary system of Government and added that the British Government was devolving power to the various regions in the United Kingdom.
Lord Williams said the University of Wales (of which he is Pro-chancellor) could be of assistance to educational institutions in the Akyem Abuakwa traditional area.
