Central Region confer "Okunyin" title on President Mills

Cape Coast, March 29, GNA - The Central Regional House of Chiefs on Saturday conferred a honorary chieftaincy title "Okunyin" (great warrior) on President John Evans Atta Mills at a colourful ceremony at the Cape Coast Jubilee Park for making the region proud.

By that honour, President Mills has become one of the "super heroes" of the region and would be referred to as Okunyin Fiifi Atta Mills for being the first President from the region.

At a durbar of chiefs and people held as part of his three-day visit to the region, the president of the Regional House of Chiefs, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, who is also the Omanhene of the Abeadzi Traditional area, described President Mills as a "great warrior" who had been able to brave the storms of life.

The occasion was witnessed by a large crowd including party faithful and supporters, who cheered the President as he was decorated in a Kente cloth and native sandals and made to sit on a stool which was also presented to him by Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi.

President Mills in response, thanked the chiefs for the honour done him and dedicated his achievement to the people of the region as well as all supporters of the National Democratic Congress Party (NDC). He said the honour done him would serve as a reminder of his responsibility towards the region and reiterated his calls to be President for the whole nation and ensure the even distribution of the national cake.

President Mills urged all Ghanaians to join hands to collectively build a prosperous nation stressing that if they exercised restrain while contributing their quota the future would be bright for all. He asked the citizenry to continue to pray for good health, wisdom, humility and love for him to enable him perform the task ahead with diligence.

Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister for Food and Agriculture, urged the chiefs to release lands for agriculture to reduce the importation of food items into the country.

Among the dignitaries, who accompanied the President were the Regional Minister, Madam Ama Benyiwa-Doe, the NDC Regional Chairman, Mr Samuel Valis Akyianu, Mr Victor Gbeho of the Office of the President, Mr Mike Hammer, Transport Minister, Mr Mahama Ayariga, Presidential Spokesperson and the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast, Mr Ebo Barton-Oduro.

The President would attend a special thanksgiving service at the Church of Pentecost on Sunday.