Ekem-Ferguson needs a lasting memorial - Omanhene

Anomabo (C/R) July 14 GNA - The Omanhene of the Anomabo Traditional Area, Nana Kantamanto Amonu XI has appealed to the government to set up a lasting memorial in honour of Mr George Ekem-Ferguson in view of his contribution to national development.

Mr Ekem-Ferguson, a renowned Surveyor was born in 1864, fought against the slave trade and helped in mapping out the routes used by the slave traders, an action which resulted in his death in Wa in 1897, where he was buried.

Nana Amonu made the call at a durbar organised by the Anomabu Traditional Council to celebrate "Emancipation Day of Mr Ekem-Ferguson", at Anomabu, an occasion he described as the "brain child" of Mr Ekem-Ferguson.

"In recognition of his service to the nation, I would like to crave the indulgence of this government for a lasting memorial for this illustrious son as successive governments have failed to honour him", he stated.

Nana Amonu said the nation was benefiting from the fruits of its citizens like Dr Kwegyir Aggrey and Nana Amonu, V, who together with some chiefs in the country, signed the "Bond of 1844" to end the land tolls and other harsh policies instituted by the Colonial Administration.

He stressed the historical importance of the town and appealed to the Ministry of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City, to rehabilitate the Anomabu Castle to enable the town to benefit from the budding tourism industry. Nana Amonu asked all sons and daughters of the town, to continue to contribute their quota towards its development.