President J. A. Kufuor has called on Ghanaians, especially Asantes, to respect and recognise each other’s tribe to foster unity and national integration.

This, he said, is needed to ensure national reconciliation and accelerated growth.

Addressing a durbar organised as part of the Akwasidae Festival at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi yesterday, President Kufuor specifically urged Asantes to treat all tribes as equals and give them the needed respect and recognition.

He said some Asantes use words that are often too strong and sometimes offend the sensibilities of other tribes in the country.

President Kufuor noted that Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, is the melting pot of all ethnic groups in the country and emphasised the need for Asantes to therfore set the pace in the nation’s quest for national reconciliation and total unity.

He said it is not only those who are born Asantes who are Asantes but all those who identify themselves with some of the virtues of Asantes.

The President, therefore, told the gathering that Asantes in particular should be sobered by his presidency and work together with other tribes in the country for the rapid socio-economic development and unity of the nation.

He used the occasion to express his deep appreciation to Asanteman and all Ghanaians for their support in his bid to become the President of Ghana.

President Kufour said the government will do everything within its power to move the country forward and called for the total support and encouragement of the people to achieve that objective.

Nana Aboagye Adjei, Ejisuhene, on behalf of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II thanked the President and the Vice- President for gracing the occasion with their presence and expressed the hope that all will be well with the new President.

Meanwhile, the University of Glasgow in Scotland has decided to award an Honoury Doctorate Degree to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in recognition of his contribution to education in Ghana.

Professor Malcolm McLeod, Vice-Principal of External Relations of the University, announced this at the Akwasidae festivities.

He said the presentation of the award to Asantehene would coincide with the 550th anniversary of the university this year.

He said the efforts by the Asantehene to set up an education fund to ensure good quality education in Ghana has attracted the attention and recognition of the university.

Commenting on the award, President Kufour thanked the university for the recognition given to Asantehene and said the award should encourage others to emulate such an example.