General News of Thursday, 10 July 2003

Source: GNA

Aliu to launch activities to mark 25th Anniversary of Busia's death

Accra, July 10, GNA - Vice President Aliu Mahama would on Friday, which marks the 90th birthday of Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, launch activities to mark the Silver Jubilee of the death of the political icon, who was Ghana's Prime Minister of the Second Republic.

Vice President Mahama said Dr Busia was a "man who lived and died for Ghana and must be deservedly honoured," when a delegation from the Busia Foundation called on him at the Castle, Osu.

"He dedicated his life to ensure that democracy takes root in Ghana and what we are living today is in fulfilment of his dream for Ghana," he said.

Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Vice President of the Foundation, said the University of Ghana would host a memorial lecture in honour of Dr Busia, who was its First African Professor and First African Head of the Sociology Department.

Senior Minister J. H. Mensah would deliver the maiden lecture at the Great Hall of the University. Additionally, an endowment fund for a Chair of Sociology at the University would be launched.

An exhibition, fund-raising dinner dance, Muslim prayers and Christian services would also be held to commemorate the anniversary. Dr Busia, born at Wenchi on July 11, 1913, became Prime Minister on August 29, 1969. He was removed from office by a military coup on January 13, 1972.

Madam Ama Busia, Member of the Council of State and Professor Abena Busia, Daughter of Dr Busia were among the delegation.