The Dormaa Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Dormaa Students Union (DORSU) has instituted an Annual Osagyefo Memorial Lecture to pay glowing tribute to their forebearers.

The idea muted a couple of years ago,is to recognize those who contributed in diverse ways towards the establishment and development of the Dormaa state to present day.

The occasion would also be used to honour the outstanding contributions of individuals, who have worked "to leave their footprints behind, as an indelible mark for posterity."

Mr. Gordon Kwaku Asubonteng, the Dormaa Municipal Chief Executive, who delivered a keynote address at the maiden lecture held at the Presbyterian Church in Dormaa – Ahenkro, stated that, the event was organized to enable present generation and natives of Dormaa to imbibe the spirit of patriotism, selflessness, honesty and commitment, as expressed by the forebearers in their struggle for the establishment of the Dormaa state.

The programme, on the theme: “Retracing Our Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Development,” was attended by some traditional rulers, selected Junior and Senior High Schools students, nurses, opinion leaders and the public.

“The least we can do is to show our profound appreciation, immortalize their names and imprint their inspiring stories in the minds of posterity”, the MCE added.

He underscored the need for all to understand the cultural dynamics and heritage of their homeland with its historical antecedents.

“The choice of the late Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu I, as the icon of hope for the maiden edition of the lecture, stems from his enviable record, first as a young man, who worked hard to earn the respect of his compatriots, and second as a chief, who brought dignity and purity to the chieftaincy institution. To us he epitomizes the body and the spirit of modern Dormaa”, he stated.

The MCE expressed hope that the current generation and the generation yet unborn will take a cue from his sterling leadership qualities.

As part of the lecture, Mr. Asubonteng said, with effect from next year, three prestigious awards would be given to three distinguished individuals in the Dormaa Traditional Area each year, in recognition of their outstanding sacrifices and efforts.

He added that, the criteria for selection would be concluded and determined by an eminent body soon.

The MCE said the assembly has resolved to relocate the only school named after Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu I, the Agyemang Badu Junior High School in Dormaa – Ahenkro to a new site and turn it into a model school, with a pre-school, primary and a Junior High School, adding that, it will be renamed Agyemang Badu I Memorial Schools.

“Arrangements are far advanced to begin the construction of the first six – unit classroom blocks. We shall within the next two months break grounds for actual construction”, he said.

Mrs Esther Agyemang, widow of Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu I, described her late husband as a “great man,” who played an instrumental role as a research officer on chieftaincy affairs during Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s regime, culminating in the establishment of the National House of Chiefs as well as serving in different capacities in the United Nation (UN) body.

She said during his reign as a chief, he helped establish the Dormaa FM, Dormaa Senior High School, Aduana Community Centre (Old Palace), Abanpredease (the new Palace) and the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital.