Regional News of Monday, 18 October 2004

Source: GNA

Okyenhene rounds off 5th anniversary celebration

Kyebi (E/R), Oct. 18, GNA - The Reverend Dr. Mensa Otabil, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has asked people in leadership positions, to expect to be accorded the same treatment they subjected the people to when they were in power. He stressed: "Expect to be treated, measure for measure", with his focus on politicians.

Rev. Otabil was speaking during a special thanksgiving service to climax the five -year anniversary celebration of Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, as of Okyenhene (Paramount chief), at Kyebi on Sunday. Prayers were said for peaceful elections, nation al unity and the sustenance of the country's fledging democracy. Osagyefuo Ofori Ofori Panin succeeded his late brother, Osagyefuo Kuntunkununku the II, in 2000 as the 35th Okyenhene.

The Okyenhene asked the people to live in peace and unity and help preserve the abundant natural resources in the area for posterity. Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, commended the 53-year-old mother of three, Madam Elizabeth Antwiwaa Boakye of Akyem-Sekyere, who decided four years ago, to go back to school in order to be able to care for the orphans in the area.

The First Lady, Mrs Theresa Kufuor, Ministers of State, Members of the Council of State, diplomats and chiefs were among the hundreds of people who attended the church service.

The Okyenhene organised a reception for over 700 basic school pupils drawn from the Akyem Abuakwa State as part of the anniversary. He presented the pupils with certificates after participating in activities including poetry recitals, drumming and dancing. Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin had since his enthronement set up the Okyeman Environment Foundation, Okyeman AIDS Foundation and is the chairman of the management boards of the Ghana Society for Blind, the Forest Plantation Development Fund, Environmental Protection Agency and Charities Aid Foundation of West Africa. 18 Oct.04