Support nation for economic breakthrough - Okyenhene

Accra, Jul 1, GNA - The Okyehene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin I, has called for the support of Ghanaians to enable the nation to make a meaningful economic breakthrough.

Addressing a durbar held in his honour by the Akyem Abuakwa Susubiribi Association and various Akyem town groups in London, he said the bold and far-reaching policies initiated by the government to turn the economy around would not yield positive results if Ghanaians did not commit themselves to the task of nation building.

A statement received by the GNA from the Ghana High Commission in London said Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin stressed the need for Ghanaians to love their country, adding that, they should live up to the patriotic song by the late Dr Ephraim Amu, "Yen ara asase ni" meaning this is our land.

The Okyenhene in full traditional regalia sat in state to receive homage at the colourful durbar, which was interspersed with drumming and dancing by the Abrempong Cultural Troupe.

Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana's High Commissioner to United Kingdom (UK), Mr. Kwabena Baah-Duodu, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Ima Plahar, President of the Ghana Union, London, the Reverend Francis Amenu of the Ghanaian Chaplaincy and members of the clergy, heads of Ghanaian Community Associations and traditional rulers from the country based in Britain.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin cautioned Ghanaians against being complacent with the constitutional democracy and stability prevailing in the country and said they should rather strive to work together in unity and love to create a better future for posterity.

He stressed his resolve to collaborate with the government to improve the quality of life for rural communities in the Akyem Traditional Area especially in empowering women and ensuring the well being of children.

The Okyehene called for a legislation to compel fathers to live up to their social responsibility of providing for the maintenance and proper upbringing of their children to guarantee a better quality of life for them. He said an Okyeman Voluntary Corps Services would soon be established to mobilise the youth in the traditional area to plan and carry out development projects in their communities.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin called on Ghanaians resident abroad to forge a united front and to rally behind the government "to restore our national pride by contributing your quota to put Ghana back on the high pedestal among the comity of nations".

Mr. Osei on behalf of the Ghanaian community praised the Okyenhene for his exemplary leadership by taking up the challenge in the fight against poverty, environmental degradation and the AIDS scourge.

He described the Okyehene's visit to UK as significant not only for the socio-economic transformation of Okyeman but also for the whole nation.