Cape Coast, May 4, GNA - The Central Regional Minister, Mrs Ama Benyiwa-Doe, noted on Monday that, the country's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, was more than a visionary because he backed his visions with actions.

According to her, despite Dr Nkrumah's humble beginnings, he worked hard to become an icon for Africa and the world over and made Ghana a beacon of hope for the continent, stressing that, he was a special gift God gave to the country.

Mrs Benyiwa-Doe made the observation when she opened the "Kwame Nkrumah Centenary Exhibition" at the Cape Coast Centre for National Culture (CNC).

She said this was evident in the massive infrastructure the country enjoyed under his regime and the plans he had for a united Africa. The three-day exhibition organised by the "Kwame Nkrumah Planning Committee", the first to be opened in the country, will be replicated in all the regions on the theme "Kwame Nkrumah: the vision and legacy" as part of the programme lined up for his centenary celebration. Pictures of Dr Nkrumah's life and works as well as his inspirational messages and quotations on audio have been displayed for the public, particularly the youth, to have an insight into his activities and sayings.

Mrs Benyiwa-Doe who declared that "indeed Nkrumah never dies" also described him as a "supreme organizer" and a genius who worked with determination and had the vision to develop not only his country but the whole of the African continent strategically. She said his sense of urgency to turn his ideals into reality, propelled him to set in motion a well planned developmental programme that touched all spheres of lives of his people and therefore education, health and social infrastructure among others were massively provided. She said Dr Nkrumah advanced the cause of organised labour and fought for their rights while women featured prominently in his government.

The Minister praised the President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills' for his decision to honour him, by sponsoring the celebration of his centenary birthday, to help "straighten the records and tell the whole story by presenting both the bitter and sweet sides for people to appreciate the achievements of this illustrious son of the land" she emphasized.

Mrs Benyiwa-Doe underscored the significant role the Region played in the country's struggle for independence and added that it was in recognition of this that the Committee found it expedient to launch the exhibition in Cape Coast.

A member of the Centenary Planning Committee, Madam Araba Bentsi-Enchill said Dr Nkrumah demonstrated to the world that Africans could manage their own affairs.

She enumerated some of the ideals Dr Nkrumah stood for and stressed that, he always portrayed the true African personality. "The young Pioneers association formed during his time was to among others, teach the youth to have love for the country, respect for the elderly and to protect state property.

Madam Bentsi-Enchill, who is also the National Vice-Chairperson of the Convention Peoples' Party (CPP), was not happy that "the youth of today was ignorant of the country's culture" and abhorred the current practice where they copy foreign cultures to their detriment. She pointed out that love for the country and respect for the elderly were fast eroding and urged the present generation "to fall back on Dr Nkrumah's ideals to help restore our personality and culture". Mr Emmanuel Quao, the Director of the Cape Coast CNC, in a brief remark, reiterated that it was important "for this great son of the land" to be honoured because he had greatly affected history and urged all to patronize the exhibition.

The brief but impressive ceremony was interspersed with poetry recitals, drumming and dancing. 04 May 10