Cape Coast, Jan 10, GNA - The Oguaa Traditional Council, on Saturday enstooled the Director-General of UNESCO, Mr Koichiro Matsuura, as the "Nkosohene" (Development Chief) of the traditional area, for his organisation's contribution and support for education and tourism, in the Cape Coast Municipality.

Mr Matsuura, who was enstooled under the name Nana Nyarko Abronoma I, at a durbar in his honour, at the Cape Coast Castle, was dressed in the full regalia of a Chief, while his wife Takako, was presented with a Kente cape.

The durbar, formed part of the launching of the 'International Year' to commemorate the struggle against slavery and its abolition," which was performed by Mr Matsuura at Cape Coast.

The Omanhene, Nana Kwesi Atta II, who conferred the honour on the UNESCO Director-General, noted that Cape Coast was central to education and slavery, saying, the launching of the International Year, in the town, "is not by chance".

He recounted efforts towards the abolition of slavery and expressed the hope that the United Nations (UN) would continue to support the eradication of all forms of slavery throughout the world. The Chairman of the National Commission on Culture, Professor George Hagan, said the durbar, was a manifestation of the preservation of the nation's cultural and traditional heritage through the institution of chieftaincy.

He said Cape Coast was renowned for its many cultural innovations, which had turned several aspects of culture and traditions into fine arts and pointed out that there could not have been a better place for the launching of the International Year, "other than a town worthy to be called a World heritage site".

The Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze, briefed the visiting Director-General about the history and tourism potentials of Cape Coast and the region.

He expressed gratitude to UNESCO for its support to the region in areas of education and tourism and said the Organisation's inclusion of the Cape Coast Castle and Fort St. Jago at Elmina among World Heritage sites and contributing to their renovation, had immensely helped boost tourism in the region.

The Regional Minister also recounted UNESCO's support for the University of Cape Coast and expressed the hope that such co-operation would continue to exist between the region and UNESCO.