Centenary celebration of William Ofori Atta launched

Accra, Oct 5, GNA - The centenary celebration of Mr. William Ofori Atta, a member of the "Big Six", founders of modern Ghana, was launched to recognize the true mentorship, service and Christian values of the former leader, in Accra on Tuesday.

The year long celebration would help acknowledge his unique contributions to Ghana and posterity.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Okyehene, who launched the celebration, said Mr. Ofori Atta was rich in political leadership, and served the country with humility and passion.

The Okyehene said Mr. Ofori Atta although served the nation with all his heart and played active role in the achievement of Ghana's independence, it had become the Cinderella of Ghanaian politics - the neglected and unsung hero of our motherland. Osagyefo Ofori Panin said: "he was unique among Ghanaian politicians, not only a man with good width, but also a man with prosperity, strong but not violent".

He expressed gratitude to those who mooted the idea for the centenary celebration for approaching it in a manner that all Ghanaians of all political persuasions and creed could participate in. Osagyefo Ofori Panin called on all Ghanaians and politicians both in government and opposition, especially the many Christians, who Mr Ofori Atta mentored, to join in the celebration to make it a non-partisan and uniting force in the country.

Mr. Stephen Adei, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said the celebration would be a national honour and credit to the government if a national monument of significant landmark is named after Mr. Ofori Atta. He said as part of the activities outlined for the celebration, there was an emerging consensus to build a centre that would house a library for effective leadership, and for organizing seminars, symposia, and training.

"Discussions are advanced for the Institute of African Studies, Legon and Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible translation to organize an academic colloquium to bring together distinguished scholars to deliberate on national development issues that would have been of interest to Mr. Ofori Atta", Mr Adei said. He said there would be a crowing week of activities later in 2011, as well as monthly lectures through out the year to celebrate the life of Mr. Ofori Atta and to discuss various national topical non-partisan issues.

Mr. Adei called on government, the business community, religious bodies and well wishing Ghanaians to make the event a memorable one. Mr. Bernard Eghan, Secretary to the Cabinet, said Mr. Ofori Atta simply exhibited and exemplified zero tolerance for corruption, adding that he was not only a model politician but also a constant rebuke to many in public life in Ghana. Secretary to the Cabinet said Mr Ofori Atta's qualities would stand out tall and would be acknowledged by all Ghanaians because of his passion for national duty, adding that Ghana's history could not be completely written without him. 05 Oct 10