President Kufuor officially informed of the death of Oyeeman

Accra, Dec. 21, GNA - A delegation of chiefs from the Akwapim Traditional Area on Wednesday called on President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu, to officially inform him of the death of Oyeeman Wereko Ampem, Amanokromhene and Gyassehene of Akwapim. Included in the delegation were also representatives from the University of Ghana where he was the First Ghanaian Chancellor; the Barclays Bank and Accra Hearts of Oak Football Club of which he was the Chairman of Council of Patrons.

Osahene Offei Kusi Agyeman IV, Akwapim Krontihene, who acted as the Spokesperson, said the body of the late traditional ruler and renowned economist would be laid in state from January 30, to February 4 2006, when they would perform the traditional burial. President Kufuor said the late chief served the nation so well and deserved State honour so as to send the right message to the country's youth.

He made reference to his traditional title and said it was most befitting, adding that his family and the entire nation should be grateful for his life and the invaluable contribution he made to the country development.

President Kufuor said the State Protocol would therefore liaise with the Traditional Council to give him a fitting state burial. Mr Joseph Henry Mensah, the Senior Minister, recalled their school days in London where Oyeeman Wereko Ampem pursued studies in Statistics and said he was an illustrious son of the country, who should be acknowledged by the State.

He carved an enviable image for himself and performed his national duties with distinction and at the United Nations made Ghana proud. Oyeeman Wereko Ampem died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Saturday, November 26, at the age of 75.

Oyeeman Ampem, a World Class Economist, was born on October 29, 1930 at Amanokrom and started his education at Mamfe Presbyterian Senior School between 1936 and 1941. He attended Accra Academy between 1946 and 1950 and enrolled at the University College of Ghana in 1951. In 1954, Oyeeman Ampem won a government scholarship to study at the London School of Economics where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics, with First Class Honours.

In 1956 he was awarded Post-Graduate research studentship for one year by the University of London and appointed Economic Research Fellow, University of Ghana, 1957 and 1959.

He was Government Statistician between 1960 and 1966 and Chairman of the Economic Committee of the erstwhile National Liberation Council. In 1967 he was appointed Commissioner (Minister) for Economic Affairs. He left behind a wife, Leticia and four children.