General News of Saturday, 23 July 2016

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ooni of Ife advocates for peace in Ghana

President Mahama presenting a kente stole to Olori Zaynab Ogunwusi, wife of Ogunwusi Ojaja II President Mahama presenting a kente stole to Olori Zaynab Ogunwusi, wife of Ogunwusi Ojaja II

His Imperial Majesty, King of Yoruba race, Dr. Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II has admonish President John Mahama and Ghanaians to priortise unity of Africans by relaxing policies that encourages the physical and mental boundary set between African countries by the colonial masters.

Ooni of Ife made this statement at the Flagstaff House on Friday when he paid a courtesy call on President John Mahama in Accra.

He said “it’s my vision as Ooni Ife to promote unity, peace among African countries.”

Africa must unite to prosper

Emphasizing on the importance of African unity, Ooni of Ife who's a descendent of Oduduwa believed to have been the root of all Yoruba race stressed that unity among African countries and blacks around the world is the key to Africa's prosperity and peace.

He added: "As traditional leaders we are the custodians of culture and tradition, that's why I have taken it upon myself to preach this gospel of peace, and unity. There's strength in unity, and it's time for Africa to go beyond lip service and unite”.

Nigeria-Ghana ties

Ooni of Ife, commenting on the bond between the two countries, and the need to do more described Nigeria-Ghana as countries with similarities in culture and tradition.

“Also, we have Nigerian investors here, and Ghanaian businessmen in Nigeria, but Nigeria crave for more investors from Ghana to further boost economic integration between the two countries.

On his part, President Mahama stated the importance of traditional rulers in governance.

According to him, traditional rulers play a key role in ensuring there’s peace and order in our society.

“In Ghana, we partner with traditional rulers because our constitution recognizes traditional rulers, that’s why we have House of Chiefs, and this has really help the nation keep its cultural heritage”.

President Mahama speaking on the contribution of Nigerian investors to Ghana economy, said it is worth noting that there’re lots of Nigerian investors in Ghana who are thriving in various fields such as Banking, Cement production, Insurance and more “this, to a large extent, depicts the peaceful co-existence and economic prosperity gains through such collaboration, he submitted.

Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs, and the Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri who was part of the delegation advocated for a deeper bond between two countries.

While presenting gift to President Mahama, Ooni of Ife said the gift to Ghana represent peace, as the country prepare to go to election soon. In return, President Mahama presented a gift to Ooni of Ife.

Ooni of Ife also paid a courtesy call on Ga Mantse, Boni Nii Tackie Adama Latse II in his palace in Accra, a tribe believed to have migrated from Nigeria.

He also visited Kwame Nkrumah Museum to appreciate the life of African legend who fought for Africa unity.