Asantehene to visit Accra

Accra (Greater Accra) 18 June '99

Two statements, the first official visit of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, to Accra, and this year's Day of the African Child celebration, were made in Parliament on Thursday.

Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, NPP-Afigya Sekyere West read the one on Asantehene, who arrives in Accra on Thursday afternoon, on behalf of the Ashanti Caucus while Mrs. Comfort Owusu, the Deputy Majority Chief Whip made the Day of the African Child statement.

Mr Kan-Dapaah observed that "as we prepare to enter the 21st century, it is important that the chieftaincy institution be re-focused, if it is to maintain its relevance in shaping our country into the next millennium".

He commended the people of Ashanti for the unity of purpose and tranquillity, which they displayed during the nomination, confinement and subsequent enstoolment of Nana Osei Tutu and urged Ashantis to sustain and enhance them.

Mr Kan-Dapaah pledged the unqualified loyalty and support of Ashanti MPs to the Asantehene, and said they hope to co-operate with him to place Ashanti, in particular and Ghana as a whole on a high pedestal in the comity of nations.

"May his reign be courageous and benign, forthright and just, decisive and transparent, swift and tender, and above all, loving and "Solomonic" in wisdom and knowledge", he stated.

Mr John Kofi Gyasi, NDC-Adansi Asokwa, associated himself, with the statement and wished the Asantehene a peaceful, long and lasting reign.

Mrs. Owusu, who is also the MP for Mfantsiman East, urged African governments to implement all national programmes for the well being of children on the continent.

She advocated the setting up of a fund for deprived children, to which individuals and organisations concerned with the welfare of children would have to contribute.

The Deputy Majority Chief Whip expressed concern about the growing incidence of child labour, and said this negative practice must be nipped in the bud immediately.

Mrs. Owusu stressed the need for good parenting, and charged parents to position themselves to meet the needs of their children in all spheres of life.

She urged parents to observe the Rights of the Child as enshrined in the Children's Bill of 1998, by teaching children their responsibilities, so that they could be assured of a brighter future.

Contributing to the statement, Dr Richard Winfred Anane, NPP-Bantama, said he regretted that children on the continent are stared in the face with insecurity, hunger and malnutrition, among other things, and said as future leaders, resources must be provided to ensure their proper upbringing.

Mrs. Ama Benyiwah-Doe, a Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Welfare and MP for Gomoa West said it is the collective responsibility of all and sundry to shape the future of children.

Mrs. Theresa Ameley Tagoe, NPP-Ablekuma South urged African governments to create adequate job avenues to occupy the idling youth.

Mrs. Grace Coleman, NPP-Effiduase Asokore, said children on the African continent could grow up into responsible adults only when parents live up to their responsibilities.