Publisher of Independet Nominated High Commissioner to Sierra Leone

Government has nominated Mr Kabral Blay-Amihere, Publisher of the Independent Newspaper and President of the West African Journalists Association (WAJA) as the High Commissioner designate to Sierra Leone.

This was announced by President John Agyekum Kufuor when he launched a book, "Fighting For Freedom", written by Mr. Blay-Amihere at the M-Plaza Hotel in Accra on Friday.

Proceeds from the book would be used to build a library in memory of his mother at his hometown, Eikwe in the Western Region and purchase books for children in Sefwi Bekwai where be began schooling.

President Kufuor said "it is an epoch making history to launch a book written by Mr Blay-Amihere, who has been nominated, Ghana's High Commissioner to Sierra Leone."

He said Ghana abounds in talents in various fields of endeavour both at home and abroad but regretted that the country has not been able to move ahead very fast with its literary works although it has first class writers.

President Kufuor therefore, stressed the need for Ghanaian writers to improve on their activities and publish their literary works for the benefit of their compatriots and future generations.

Mr. Blay-Amihere said it is only under the NPP government's concept of positive change that Journalists have been honoured in Ghana and said his work as a Journalist has not ended with his nomination as the High Commissioner to Sierra Leone.

"I was born to serve and if government thinks I can serve Ghana in another capacity I am prepared to serve."

Mr. Sam Jonah, Chief Executive of Ashanti Goldfields Company (AGC) who chaired the function, said the proliferation of private newspapers has made tremendous contribution to the country's democratic dispensation.

He said the book is a wake-up call to other Journalists to navigate the turbulent waters ahead in their profession.

Mrs Esaaba Blay-Amihere, wife of the author, presented the first copy to President Kufuor and Mr Jonah presented the second copy to Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama.

Dr Kofi Amoah, Chief Executive of Western Union, purchased the third copy during auction for 20 million cedis