Mankessim District honour prominent citizens

Mankessim, March 14, GNA - The Mfantseman District Jubilee Anniversary celebration planning committee in conjunction with the District Assembly and traditional rulers have honoured 15 prominent citizens of the area for their contributions towards development of the district and the nation as a whole.

The ceremony formed part of the Golden Jubilee of Ghana's Independence Anniversary.

They are Mr. Ato Essuman, Member of the Council of State and Chief Director of the Ministry of Education Science and Sports, Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Member of Parliament for Mfantseman West and Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, Prof. Francis K.A. Allotey a renowned scientist, Prof. Kwesi Andam the past Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Prof. Ama Atta Aidoo an educationalist and a Writer. Others are, Nana Egyir Aggrey, Mpuntuhene of Anomabo, Nana Osam Kwekweinua II, of Ekumfi Atwaa, Nana Araba Otua II of Mankessim and Nana Mbraenu Edumadze also of Mankessim.

The rest, awarded posthumously were Dr Robert Gardner, former Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission of Africa and one time a Minister of State, Rev. Gaddiel Acquaah, a Minister of the Methodist Church, Nana Akyen VI of Ekumfi Traditional area, Nana Adoko Kumah of Mankessim, Nana Kwebu Ewusie I of Abaadze Traditional area and Prof Paul A.V. Ansah, for promoting press freedom.

They were awarded with rich kente cloths each a plaque of citation at an award night which was attended by prominent citizens of the District including Chiefs, Assembly Members and Heads of departments. In a speech, Mr. Robert Quainoo-Arthur, District Chief Executive announced that plans were at an advanced stage to name some streets in the district after people who had championed the progress of the area and the nation.

That, the DCE said, would encourage the youth to be prepared to die a little for the well-being of the people as a district which does not honour its past heroes and heroines is not worth dying for. Responding to the awards, Mr. Essuman expressed concern about poor performances of students in the District these days and wondered whether it would be able to produce the chain of professors it could boast of at present in the next 50 years.

Prof. Allotey urged parents to encourage both boys and girls to read science subjects. Prof. Andam called for regular meetings of citizens to discuss the development of the District.

Prof. Aidoo called for institution of funds to support brilliant but needy children since there were many clever children who could even do better than what they had done but for lack of financial support they were roaming the streets of the cities selling dog chains and doing menial work.

Daasebre Kwebu Ewusie VII, Omanhene of Abeadze Traditional area, who presided over the function said the Fante Confederacy, which was formed in 1880s to give impetus to the struggle for independence, was being revived to rekindle the spirit of unity among the Fantes to enhance their development. 14 March 07