Apam (C/R), Oct. 14, GNA - The Mfantsemanhene-elect, Nana Arkoful Owese, has called on Ghanaians, irrespective of their religious and political affiliations, to ensure that the nation's young democracy thrives.

He advised the communities to co-exist, live in harmony and pool their resources to ensure uninterrupted development. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Nana Owese stressed the need for Christians to pray unceasingly to God for continued peace, which, he said, was a prerequisite for a successful democracy.

He listed education for the youth as his top priority, and called on parents to invest in their wards' academic pursuits, saying it was the best legacy they could bequeath to them.

The Nomination Committee of the Mfantseman Council, sitting in Kumasi on Tuesday, September 23, this year, confirmed Nana Owese as Mfantsemanhene.

Nana Adwoa Kum IV, Mfantsemanhemaa, and the Akyeamehene, Nana A.K.A. Yawson, later performed rituals to declare Nana Owese duly elected.

The new chief would be formally presented to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to swear the oath of allegiance after which he would assume his seat within the Nifa Division of the Kumasi Traditional Council.

Nana Owese, 49, known in private life as Mr John Kennedy Kwaku Arkoful, succeeds the late Okormansa Aggrey II. He is the Branch Manager of K. Dom Company Limited.