Your advocacy on a safe environment has paid off - President commends Okyenhene

President Akufo-Addo has commended the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, for his sustained campaign against environmental degradation over the last 25 years.

According to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, since Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s ascension to the Ofori Panin Stool, he has been a leading advocate for the preservation of the environment, spearheading various campaigns against deforestation, irresponsible mining, pollution of water bodies, and activities contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and global warming.

"Today, the advocacy you started 25 years ago has become an issue of serious concern to all. Many groups and institutions have seen the need to join the campaign against irresponsible mining and the need to protect the environment. You have done well. You have promoted peace and development in Okyeman. The world has seen your dedication and humility towards mankind," President Akufo-Addo said.

The President was speaking at the grand durbar celebrating Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin's 25th anniversary since ascending the Ofori Panin Stool, held at Kyebi over the weekend.

The grand durbar marked the climax of all durbars commemorating Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s 25th anniversary.

The celebration afforded the King of Akyem Abuakwa the opportunity to tour the five divisions and interact with his divisional chiefs and subjects.

It began with the Adonten divisional durbar in Kukurantumi, followed by the Benkum durbar in Begoro, the Nifa durbar in Asiakwa, the Oseawuo durbar in Wenchi, and the Gyaase durbar in Kwaben.

President Akufo-Addo encouraged Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin not to be disheartened by personal attacks but to stay focused on his dedication to the service of humanity.

"As for the insults, don't worry, just stay focused. If you complain about insults, then what about me?" Akufo-Addo stated with a smile.

On his part, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin expressed gratitude to his many supporters, various institutions, and individuals who have backed his cause over the last 25 years.

Touching on Ghana’s governance system and development, he reiterated that the centralized system of governance is outdated and does not promote proper accountability and development.

He called for proper decentralization that empowers local assemblies to raise resources for their own development and gives them control over local institutions.

“Kwame Nkrumah initiated the concept of centralizing our resources and governance system, where we send all our resources to the national coffers and governance is controlled at the top. This system hasn't helped us, and we need to change it,” Okyenhene noted.

The grand anniversary durbar was attended by prominent chiefs from across the country, including the Ga Mantse, Nungua Mantse, Osu Mantse, New Juabenmanhene, the Chiefs of Ejisu and Manso Nkwanta, Offinsohene, the Yilo Krobo Chief, the Kwahu Tafo Chief, some Asona Chiefs, the Okuapehene, and other prominent chiefs from the Central and Western regions.

The event featured a colourful display of culture from the various traditional authorities represented at the durbar.

The Okyenhene is also the head of the Asona family in Ghana, referred to as Asona Piesie.