An eight-month-long programme to mark the 15th anniversary of the installation of the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has been launched at Kyebi, the traditional headquarters of the Akyem Abuakwa State.
Osagyefuo Ofori Panin, known in private life as Odeshie Kwame Boakye Ofori Atta, ascended the Ofori Panin Stool in 1999.
He is the 35th occupant of the Ofori Panin Stool of the Akyem Abuakwa State, which was established by Atta Apeanin Kwaframoa Woyiawonyi in 1362.
Virtues
Unveiling a plague of the programme on the theme, “Celebrating 15 years of an Exemplary Leader”, the Begorohene, who is also the Benkumhene of Akyem Abuakwa, Osabarima Awua Kotoko, extolled the virtues of Osagyefuo Ofori Panin, who, he said, had done a lot to uplift the image of Akyem Abuakwa and Ghana as a whole.
Achievements
He said the achievements of the Okyenhene in areas such as the crusade against environmental degradation, HIV/AIDS awareness, formal education for children of school age and the establishment of a tertiary educational institution to produce professionals to help preserve the environment had had a positive impact not only on Okyeman but Ghana as a whole.
Osabarima Awua Kotoko, flanked by the Guantoahene of Akyem Abuakwa, Nana Adjei Twini, and Barima Kwadwo Duah, the Sanaahene, said it was those remarkable achievements of the Okyenhene that had warranted the celebration of his enstoolment.
He praised the Okyenhene, who, he said, for the past 15 years had criss-crossed Africa and other parts of the world seeking avenues and resources for the development of Okyeman and Ghana.
Activities
Highlights of the celebration are the observance of Okyeman Mmofra Afahye (Children’s Festival) in April, environmental preservation activities in June, Ohum Festival in July, Okyeman Congress (durbar of all chiefs in Akyem Abuakwa) in August, soccer/gold gala in September, anniversary thanksgiving in October and the official opening of the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, which was established by the Okyenhene in November.
It will be followed by a health week/HIV/AIDS marathon and climaxed with the Odwira Festival, during which personalities who dedicated themselves to the service of Okyeman will be awarded the “Okyeman Kanea Prize”.
Committee
An 11-member committee, chaired by Osabarima Awua Kotoko and comprising Nana Adjei Twini and others, was introduced to the gathering, amid traditional drumming and firing of muskets.