Kumasi, May 13, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, has called on the nation to take pride in the achievements of its' first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He said it was proper that the country celebrated the values, visionary leadership and significant landmarks he left on the sands of the history.

Mr Opoku-Manu was opening a photo exhibition on Osagyefo Dr Nkrumah at the Centre for National Culture in Kumasi to mark his centenary celebration.

The Regional Minister said it was not possible for anyone to wish away the tremendous contribution the first

President made to the nation's socio-economic and political development. "He was such a great hero and Ghanaians have every reason to be thankful for his good works." Mr Opoku-Manu said he had no doubt that the celebration would rekindle in Ghanaians a sense of

patriotism as was espoused and demonstrated by Osagyefo Dr Nkrumah. "As a nation we must continue to appreciate and reward hard work and honest leadership, to inspire all

especially, politicians to accept to die a little for the country." Mr Akilagpa Sawyerr, Chairman of the Centenary Planning Committee, in a message said the celebration

provided Ghanaians with exciting opportunities to reflect on the significant legacies of Dr Nkrumah. This include the concept of the new African, confident and secure in a united continent with the "will and

the capacity to run his own affairs". "Nkrumah was also of the view that a man's education must be measured in terms of the soundness of

his judgment of people and things and in his power to understand and appreciate the needs of his fellow men to be

of service to them", he added. Sultan Omar Farouk Saeed, the Sarikin Zongo, who said he was a member of the "Young Pioneers"

recalled with fond memories, the importance Osagyefo Dr Nkrumah attached to the development of education and

encouraged the zongo community to take schooling seriously.