Elmina (C/R), May 9, GNA - Mr Anthony Williams, the visiting Mayor of Washington DC, was on Tuesday installed the Nkosohene of the Edina Traditional Area under the stool name Nana Kwadwo Amissah II. He was installed at a durbar of chiefs held in his honour as part of a day's visit to the Central Region at the head of 30-member delegation.
Mr Williams was clad in a kente cloth with traditional sandals to match as a symbol of his new position.
In a welcoming address, Mr George Frank Asmah, Komenda-Edina-Eguafo District Chief Executive, underscored the important role the District played in tourism development of the Region and said about 100,000 tourists visited the Elmina Castle annually.
He, however, expressed regret that Elmina, which was the first port of call by the Europeans, lagged behind in development. Mr Asmah said to help address the situation, the District had entered into a sister city relationship with a city in the Netherlands to help speed up its development and urged the Mayor to link the District with other cities in the United States of America. He said the Mayor's visit marked another turning point in the history of the District and that his acceptance of the Nkosohene title would help draw more investors to the District and the Region. Mr Asmah mentioned fish farming, agro-processing and tourism development as areas of investment.
Nana Kwadwo Conduah, Omanhene of the Edina Traditional Area, who installed the Nkosohene thanked the delegation for the visit and appealed to them to help improve teaching and learning in the District. He also invited the group to the "Bakatue" festival of the chief and people, which comes off in the first week of July.
Nana Conduah suggested intermarriages between the African-Americans and Ghanaians saying this would "enhance the link between them". Mr Williams thanked the people for the title bestowed on him and said in collaboration with the Regional Coordinating Council and the Assembly he would be able to perform his role appropriately. He said it was good for one to be back to visit "motherland Ghana" and that it was an experience to visit the Elmina Castle. He paid tribute to his ancestors who were sold into slavery. Mr Williams commended Ghana for sustaining democracy and ensuring sound economic policies.
Mr Isaac Edmundze, Central Regional Minister, appealed to the delegation to assist the Region to develop its recreational tourism. 9 May 06
