Sunyani (B/A) Nov. 13, GNA - Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, on Thursday commended corporate bodies, individuals, financial institutions, chiefs, security agencies and the general public for their support in making the 50th anniversary celebration of the creation of the region a success.

Speaking at a press conference attended by members of the 50th anniversary planning committee, the regional minister expressed appreciation to President John Evans Atta Mills and Vice President John Dramani Mahama for gracing the grand durbar of chiefs and people to climax the anniversary celebration. Mr. Nyamekye-Marfo also thanked district and municipal assemblies for their donations in cash and in kind in support of the objectives of the celebration.

"The Australian High Commissioner, Mr. William Billy Williams, the GETFund, the media as well as the planning committee of the anniversary all deserve our commendation", he added.

The Regional Minister said construction works including an information communication and technology centre had been completed and commissioned, while an arch to be constructed at the entrance of the Sunyani Polytechnic, a statue of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the country's first President and busts of the seven chiefs who led the agitation for the creation of the region were all yet to be constructed.

Nana Kwadwo Nyarko, Omanhene of Prang Traditional Area and Chairman of the planning committee, acknowledged the contributions of all and sundry to the planning and participation of the anniversary celebration. The region formerly known as Western Ashanti, which was administered from Kumasi was carved out of the then Ashanti protectorate during Dr. Nkrumah's regime but gained autonomy as an independent region on April 3, 1959.

Activities held during the celebration included public lectures and symposia, basic schools compound tree planting, quiz competition for Junior and Senior High schools, selection of district golden jubilee anniversary beauty queens and a health walk. Others were a trade fair exhibition (Dwa Kesie 2009), Congress of Brong Ahafo citizens, grand anniversary dance and crowning of B/A golden jubilee queen and a grand durbar of chiefs and people at the Golden Jubilee Park in Sunyani.