Akim Awisa(E/R), May 29, GNA - Burial took place at the Akim Awisa cemetery on Saturday of Seth Wilson Gyekye, 77, a former District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Birim South District after a memorial service at the Akim Awisa Calvary Presbyterian church.

Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral were former President, Jerry John Rawlings, his Special Assistant, Mr Victor Smith, the Eastern Regional National Democratic Congress (NDC)chairman , Mr Fred Ohene-Kena and Mr Cecil Adom, a former Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Others were Mr Timothy Ogun, Chief Director, Office of the Civil Service, Dr. Isaac K. Adjei-Marfo, a former Presidential Staffer and Dr Kwakye Marfo, a past President of the Ghana Medical Association.

In a tribute, former President Rawlings described the late Gyekye as hard working and a patriotic Ghanaian who contributed immensely in laying a solid foundation for the development of the country. He used the occasion to appeal to Ghanaians to contribute positively towards the building of a strong and united society. In a sermon, the Rev. Emmanuel Danso of the Akim Awisa Calvary Presbyterian Church, said as the Presidential and Parliamentary elections were getting nearer, there was the need for tolerance and understanding among Ghanaians so that the country would enjoy a peaceful election devoid of acrimony and rancour.

He said if Ghanaians could see the need for national unity, "this dear nation of ours shall be a happy one for all of us", adding that differences in views and opinions should not bring hatred but rather promote community and national development.

The late Gyekye who died on March 7, 2004, worked in the civil service from 1968 to 1983, when he retired and was later appointed as chief director at the national secretariat of CDR's from 1987 to 1993.

In 1994, he was appointed the Birim South District Chief Executive, a position he held until 1997. May 29, 04