Minister installed "Nkosuohene" of Ahantaman

Busua (W/R), Sept.14, GNA - Mr Joe Baidoo-Ansah, Minister of Aviation, was installed Nkosuohene (development chief) of Ahanta under the stool name Nana Kojo Dade I,

He was installed at a colourful ceremony at Busua, the traditional capital of the Ahantas in the Western Region on Saturday.

Some Ministers of state, Members of Parliament and prominent chiefs including a representative of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II were among the large crowd that witnessed the ceremony.

The installation rites that also bestowed on the Minister, the "Ambassador of the Youth of Ahanta" were performed by Nana Kofi Nyankum IV, Adumhene of Pretea, Nana Kwaku Darko III, Sompahene of Kajebil and Nana Nda Akyamfuo, Gyasehene of Sankor.

Otumfuo Baidoo Bonsoe XV, Omanhene of the Ahanta traditional area, who conferred the title on Mr Baidoo-Ansah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Effia-Kwesimintsim, described him as a role model. He said his political experience, exposure and the can-do-attitude made has raised the dreams and aspirations of the youth of the area. He mentioned a number of health, education, sanitation and other programmes executed by Mr Baidoo-Ansah through the MPs Common fund to enhance the lives of the people in his constituency.

The Omanhene said the honouring of Mr Baidoo-Ansah was not because of any physical or financial contributions to Ahantaman but because of his constant interaction with the traditional authority and hoped his new position would inspire him to do more to enhance unity peace and development.

Nana Kojo Kondua VI, Omanhene of Elmina, who presided, called on chiefs to lead a crusade to check incidents of violence that is creeping into the country's politics, adding that, even though chiefs were not to dabble in active politics, they have a role to play in ensuring peace and harmony, particularly during the campaigns and after the December polls.

He reminded Mr Baidoo-Ansah that his new position as Nkosuohene would bring about additional responsibilities and advised him to regard himself first and foremost as leader of the people by being fair to each and everyone, irrespective of their political, ethnic and religious affiliations.

Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said Mr Baidoo-Ansah like many others, entered into politics, which he described as a "noble calling" with the objective to serve their people and their efforts must be commended instead of being vilified and disgraced by opponents.

He said the NPP if returned to power would use the envisaged oil wealth to transform the country's economy for the benefit of all through transparent management practices. Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey urged the youth of the area to take their education seriously in order to position themselves for the opportunities that the oil find would bring to the people of the area. Baffour Osei Hyiaman Brentuo VI, Mawerehene and representative of the Asantehene, advised Mr Baidoo-Ansah to champion the cause of the area's development. Mr Baidoo-Ansah thanked the chiefs and people for the honour done him and said he would continue to work hard to uplift the image of his people by instilling in the youth the values of hard work, respect, honesty and unity to enhance steady development.