President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commended Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin for his tireless efforts in combating environmental degradation, over the past 25 years, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and promoting sustainable development in the country.
According to Nana Akufo Addo, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin since his ascension to the Ofori Panin Stool has been a lead advocate for the preservation of Ghana’s environment and has led various campaigns against deforestation, irresponsible mining, pollution of water bodies and activities that contribute to the depletion of the Ozone layer and global warming.
President Akufo-Addo was speaking at the Grand Durbar of Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin to climax his 25th-anniversary celebration on the ascension to the Ofori Panin Stool at Kyebi over the weekend.
In 1999, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, a scion of the illustrious Ofori Panin royal family, took the reins of leadership, succeeding Osagyefuo Kuntunkununku II.
The grand anniversary durbar was attended by prominent chiefs across the country including the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Nungua Mantse Oboade Notse King Odaifio Welentsi III, the Paramount Chief of Yilo Krobo, Oklepeme Nuer Anorbaa Sasraku II and the Okuapehene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III among other prominent chiefs from the country.
The durbar ground was transformed into beautiful colours, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of various traditional authorities.
Dignitaries and traditional leaders gathered to pay homage to Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, exchanging gifts and well wishes.
Addressing the durbar, President Akufo-Addo reinforced the significance of collective action in protecting Ghana’s environment for future generations.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin for his exemplary leadership, promoting peace, development, and environmental sustainability in Okyeman and as its impact extends beyond Okyeman, inspiring national progress, global recognition, and future generations.
Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II for his part expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed and supported his vision and endeavors over the past 25 years.
Okyenhene reaffirmed his commitment to continued service, inspired by the solidarity and trust placed in him.
Touching on Ghana’s governance system and development, he reiterated that the centrality of governance is outdated and doesn’t promote proper accountability and development. He called for proper decentralization that empowers the local assembly to raise resources for its development and which has control over all the local institutions.
He said by addressing these challenges and exploring alternatives, Ghana can move towards a more effective and accountable governance system.
Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin reiterated that as Ghana is gearing up for its 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, he is optimistic about the country’s ability to maintain peace and civility throughout the process.
He added that despite the heated rhetoric from politicians, Okyenhene believes that Ghanaians will rise above divisive politics and uphold the country’s tradition of peaceful elections.
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin is the 35th king of Okyeman, one of the greatest traditional states in Ghana and was installed on 4th October 1999
