Nana Gyaaben Akowuah I, paying homage to Opegyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II
A FORMER Member of Parliament (MP) for Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, Kwabena Appiah-Pinkrah, has been installed as the Sompahene of Adanse Traditional Area with the stool name, Nana Gyaaben Akowuah I.
The MP’s installation which took place over the weekend has been described by many as a reward for his years of allegiance and loyalty to the people of Adanseman and Adansehene, Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II, for his transformational leadership style and support for the underprivileged.
The colourful ceremony, which was held at Fomena, was attended by the chiefs and people of the area, as well as New Patriotic Party (NPP) members in the area, among others.
The Adansehene, who created the ‘Adanse Sompahene’ stool, commended the former MP for his hard work and dedication to serving the people of Akrofuom and Adanseman.
He expressed the hope that the former MP would accelerate the development of the area, especially where development is lagging behind.
The Adansehene advised him to always learn the rudiments of the chieftaincy institution and maintain his calm and humane traits.
Responding to the honour done him, the newly-installed chief expressed gratitude to the Adansehene and the chiefs of the area for recognising his efforts to promote development in the area.
He gave the assurance of his readiness to initiate programmes that would accelerate development of the area, as he did in the Akrofuom Constituency.
The former MP said leadership should not be about position of power but the desire to cause positive change in the society.
He promised to transform the Sompahene stool and promote development and called on Adanseman to unite, build synergies and help each other to grow, saying “Let’s all unite and develop Adansi because together we can make this place great.”
He also pledged to solve any feuds among individuals, groups and the chiefs for peace to remain in the area.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in his congratulatory message through his deputy, Joseph Osei-Wusu, the MP for Bekwai Constituency, described the Sompahene as “a well-deserved person for such an honour.”
“We in Parliament feel honoured that one of our own who has served for quite a number of years in Parliament has been recognised and honoured by the community,” he said.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi