General News of Monday, 30 April 2001

Source: GNA

Properties to be restored to widows of Nkrumah and Busia

Cabinet has decided that the Odorkor property of the late Prime Minister, Dr. K.A. Busia be rehabilitated prior to its transfer to his widow, Madam Naa Morkor Busia.

Also, the Labone property, which was originally given by the state to Madam Fathia Nkrumah, widow of first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is to be restored to her.

A statement issued on Friday said the directives are in line with the government's determination to promote the cause of national reconciliation.

It said even though the past government had announced that the Odorkor property of Dr. Busia would be returned to his widow, this has not been done.

"It has in the last decade been occupied by commandos who have caused substantial damage to the property.''

It would therefore be rehabilitated and handed over to Madam Busia in a fit state to end her many years of distress, the statement added.

In the same vein, it said the government considers it a shame that the widow of Ghana's first President has not had a home in Ghana these past many years.

"The Labone property which has until recently, been in the occupation of, Mr. Justice D. F. Annan, former Speaker of Parliament, would be restored to Madam Fathia in a fit state.