Okyehene arrives in London

London – (UK) – 28 June 2003 - The Okyenhen, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, has arrived in London on a 14-day official visit. Accompanying the him are Okyenman Nifahene and Gyaasehene, respectively, Osabarima Dakwah Woe II – Kwabenghene and Osabarima Agyemang II – Asiakwahene.

Speaking to Ghana Review International within minutes of their arraival at London Heathrow airport, Nana Asante Bediatuo, Apagyahene and spokesman for the Okyenhen, reaffirm the purpose of the visit as an avenue to explore both private and public sector investment opportunities for the socio-economic development of Okyenman.

Nana Bediatuo said a similar trip was undertaken to the US last year which has yielded a million-dollar funding from the Global Environmental Facility of the World Bank for its activities. He explained that indeed the fund was originally earmarked as a loan but when it was presented to the Cabinet for consideration, objections were raised upon which both Okyenman and Asanteman were able to convince the World Bank representatives to offer the facility as a grant under the World Bank Partnership with Traditional Authorities for Capacity Building.

While in London, the Okyehen will hold audience with several top officials including Prince Charles, Ministers as well the CEOs of Barclays Bank and Guinness Brewery. His first engagement is a durbar being held in his honour in the courtyard of the Ghana High Commission in Highgate Hill, north London, tomorrow, Sunday 29 June.

Other members of the Okyenhen’s 15-member entourage include Ken Ofori-Atta – CEO of Databank Financial Services, Joe Ofori-Atta – Director of Woolworths Ghana and Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko – editor of the Statesman newspaper. They are expected to be joined by Foreign Minister Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo later in the week.