Wenchi(B/A), Oct.13, GNA - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of Britain, has sent a congratulatory message to Nana Kusi Apea, former Paramount chief of the Wenchi Traditional Area in Brong Ahafo on his 80th birthday.

Nana Apea Head of Sofoase Yefri Royal Family of Wenchi is the sole survivor of four paramount chiefs who represented the Gold Coast during the coronation of the Queen in 1953.

In response to an invitation to the chief's birthday celebration, a statement signed by Mrs. Sonia Bonici, Senior Correspondence Officer at Buckingham Palace cited reasons beyond the control of the Queen to honour the invitation.

The Queen however, said "it is a memorable and enjoyable day for you and all those who honoured the invitation and wished the former paramount chief and the people of Ghana well." Present at the celebration were representatives of the Government, some paramount chiefs and delegations from Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi and Cote d'Ivoire.