Accra, Jan. 28, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday urged the People of Wenchi Traditional Area to bury their differences and restore lasting peace to their area as an eternal tribute to their chief Osagyefo Abrefa Mbore Bediatuo V1.
President Kufuor gave the advice when Okatakyie Agyeman Kudom IV, President of Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, led a delegation from the Wenchi Traditional Area to inform the President about the death of Osagyefo Bediatuo and his burial and funeral rites.
He said without unity and peace, the ancient town of Wenchi, which played a significant role in fostering national cohesion and development would lag in modern development, adding that if Wenchi stagnated it would affect the overall progress of Ghana.
President Kufuor gave them the assurance that the Government would be well represented at the ceremony, which starts on Tuesday, February 1 to Saturday, February 5, when he would be buried.
Osagyefo Mbore Bediatuo, who reigned for 46 years, died on June 16, 2004. He was 101. He had three wives and left behind over 30 children. Okatakyie Agyeman Kudom, who is also the Chief of Nkoranza, described the late Chief as a development-oriented person, who spearheaded the execution of many projects in education, agriculture, water and sanitation in the area.
"It was during his era that we had our first secondary school, potable water, Tomato Factory, Farm Institute, Campus of the Methodist University and many others," he said.