Accra, Dec.18, GNA - The La Traditional Council on Saturday honoured Mr Amon Kotei, 95 for his immense contribution to the development of art in the country.

Mr Kotei is a renowned Graphic Artist, Composer and Nationalist, who designed the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Ghana. Most Reverend Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra praised the icon and said the hand of the artist was indispensable in every national campaign and educational agenda.

He said every body was empowered with special talent by God and it was the duty of parents, the society and the national authorities to help shape that talent for the development of the country.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle made the observation at an inter-denominational church service in honour of Mr Kotei in Accra. He urged the citizenry to emulate the example of Mr Kotei, indicating that the country had benefited from his talent in art. Nii Kpobi Tettey Tsuru III, La Mantse, urged the youth to collaborate with the authorities in the development of their communities and channel their talents to good ventures.

Mr Novalis Gas-Lartey, Programme Director of the event, said Mr Kotei was honoured for his contribution to the development of La and "we are proud of him".

He said it was necessary to honour individuals whose works and achievements greatly impacted on the society. Nii Sowah Anang, Grandson of Mr Kotei expressed gratitude for the programme, saying: "This honour means so much to the family and proves that our grandfather really has impact on the community." He received a reclining arm chair and a citation that read: "You were specially commissioned to design a Coat of Arms for the emerging independent State of Ghana, a task you accomplished with distinction and for which a State Honour of Grand Medal Civil Division was conferred on you on 5th March 1997."

Mr Kotei worked with the Royal West Africa Frontiers, Ghana Printing Corporation, Survey Department, and Achimota School, among other jobs.