Sunyani (B/A), Feb. 24, GNA - Mr J.H. Owusu Acheampong, 68, a former Minister of Food and Agriculture was on Tuesday elected by popular acclamation to represent Brong-Ahafo on the Council of State. At the close of nominations nine out of the 10 contestants withdrew their candidature in the election conducted and supervised by the Electoral Commission.

They were Mr Kwabena Kyere, a retired educationist, Mr Kwaku Dartey, teacher, Mr Usman Fakih Suallah, teacher, Mr Evans Ofori Mensah, journalist and Nana Kwaku Dwuma Ankoana II, Omanhene of Seikwa. The others were Nana Kwadwo Sito, Omanhene of Banda Traditional area, Pemampem Yaw Kagbrese V, paramount chief of Yeji traditional area, Nana Sabi Damoah, a farmer and Nana Dr. David Kwabena Mensah, a development specialist.

The Electoral Commission could not disclose reasons for their withdrawal.

Two Assembly Members each represented the 22 municipal and district assemblies in the region to form the "electoral college" for the election.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr Owusu-Acheampong, an agricultural economist, thanked his contenders for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to represent the region adequately on the council. In another development, the Brong-Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs has expressed its appreciation to President Evans Atta Mills for appointing three sons of the region as Ministers of State. They are Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister of Lands and Forestry, Mr Alexander Asum-Ahensan, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture and Mr. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, Regional Minister.

In a statement signed by Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi II, its president and made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, the chiefs congratulated the three Ministers on their new positions and assured them of their "unflinching support to ensure that they achieve their visions for their respective Ministries".

They advised the Ministers to "perform creditably in their new roles to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President and we hope they would not let the President and the nation down".