Kumasi, May 7, GNA - Former President John Agyekum

Kufuor and 17 other personalities were on Wednesday honoured by

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, at a colourful ceremony at the

fore court of Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. The awards were in recognition of their dedicated and enormous

service towards the development of Asanteman and the nation. It formed part of activities marking the Asantehene's 59th

birthday and 10th anniversary celebration of his ascension to the

Golden Stool. Former President Kufuor was decorated with a Gold Medal and

Kente. A citation read said "During the eight years of your reign as

President of Ghana, the country experienced great progress in most

of her endeavours which won the admiration of the international

community. "You were elected as Chairman of Economic Community of

West African States (ECOWAS) for two terms, President of

African Union (AU) which epitomised the confidence reposed in

you by your fellow African Leaders due to your good leadership

qualities. "Your respect for rule of law, good governance and

freedom of speech helped to improve the living standards of the

citizenry and on the 10th anniversary celebration of my ascension to

the Golden Stool, I deem it fit to confer on you the traditional title

of "Bosompra", for your commitment towards the well-being of

mankind". Former President Kufuor accompanied by his wife, Theresa,

and other family members accompanied him to pay homage to the

Asantehene after the title had been conferred on him. Other personalities honoured included Dr Sir Kwame Donkor

Fordjour who was conferred with the title "Kantinka", Archbishop

Emeritus Peter Akwasi Sarpong, Retired Catholic Bishop of

Kumasi Diocese, Most Reverend Bishop Daniel Yinkah Sarfo,

Archbishop of Saint Cyprians Anglican Church Kumasi and His

Grace Dr Justice Offei Akrofi, Archbishop of Anglican Province of

West Africa. The rest were Dr Sir Sam Jonah, Former Chief Executive

Officer of Anglo-gold Ashanti, Mr Kojo Yankah, a Journalist and a

Consultant, Mr Kofi Badu, a Veteran Journalist, Paapa Dadson, a

Kumasi-based Legal Practitioner, Mr Benjamin Amponsah Mensah,

an Industrialist, Nana Kwadwo Nyantakyi II, Sanaahene, Professor

Joseph Owoahene Acheampong, Medical Consultant and

Physician, Dr Charlotte Abeka, a Dentist, Nana Akua Yaa Ode,

Nana Akosua Akyaama II, Juabenhemaa, Nana Adoma Serwaa,

Nana Akua Dum and Nana Akua Agyeman, all Royals. In an address, Otumfuo Osei Tutu commended the award

winners and hoped it would motivate them to strive for excellence in

their endeavours. He expressed appreciation to chiefs and people of Asanteman

for their support and co-operation during his reign and urged them

to continue to pray for God's guidance for him to ensure a

successful reign.