American Biographical Institute honours two Ghanaians

Accra, Dec. 27, GNA - Mr Kofi Annan, the immediate past Secretary-General of the United Nations and Daasebre Professor Emeritus Emmanuel Oti Boateng, Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area were listed in the latest edition 2006/07 of the Greatest Minds of the 21st Century published by the American Biographical Institute.

According to an official statement issued by the Institute, that edition was specially dedicated to those two illustrious Ghanaians among some other notable international figures.

The statement said the individuals listed for dedication in the current edition represented extraordinary thinking and intellect that have had an impact on the world.

In a preface to the publication, the publishers said the current volume represented one of the century's most profound reference titles and mentioned that the Institute was pleased to present the Biographies as models of success and diligence within professions justified by their significant credentials.

On Mr Annan, the publication said "as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations (and former under-Secretary-General for peace keeping operations at the time of his appointment), Kofi Annan brought to the position a wealth of experience and expertise gained through more than three decades of service with the world organization.

"A national of Ghana, who is fluent in English, French and several African Languages, Kofi Annan was appointed to the post of Secretary-General on 17 December 1996 to serve a term of office from January 1, 1997 through 31 December 2001. He was appointed to serve again from January 2002 to December 31, 2006," it added.

On Daasebre, the publication noted that, "Emmanuel Oti Boateng is a respected traditional ruler and leader, eminent national and international executive, and a renowned scholar.

"Due to his excellence academic achievement, distinguished public service career and exemplary character, he was nominated, elected and installed on October as Omanhene and the Occupant of the Yiadom-Hwedie stool of the New Juaben state of Ghana with the royal title of "Daasebre" which means 'His Benevolence'.

"Before occupying the stool as Omanhene, he was a senior research fellow and the Director of Studies at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research "ISSER' at the University of Ghana. "From ISSER he was appointed to the high office of government statistician and head of the Ghana statistical Service for a record period of 18 years (1982 - 2000). He held that office with honour and distinction," the statement said.

Among prominent international personalities listed in the latest "Great Minds of the 21st Century are the late Martin Luther King Jnr., Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, American Presidents Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn, John Kennedy, and his mother Rose and Albert Einstein.