Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin
THE OKYENHENE, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has indicated that the days when the African continent was known to the rest of the world for wars, coup d’état, poverty, among other negative attributes, are gradually fading away.
According to him, there is a new dawn across Africa today, and that Ghana, under President Akufo-Addo’s administration, is leading the way for the reformation of the African continent – from its dark days to days of hope for children and the marginalized groups in society.
The traditional ruler made this observation while addressing about 50 business, civic, community and religious leaders recently in New Jersey, USA, during a breakfast meeting organized by the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG).
The Okyenhene told the gathering, “There is a new crop of leadership in Africa who are doing everything possible to elevate our people from the doldrums of poverty, squalor, senseless wars and deprivation.”
He observed, “The current crop of African leaders has taken critical lessons from our historical experience. Today, in many parts of Africa, our people have come to accept the position that the entrenchment of democratic institutions, respect for human rights and individual liberties is the way to go.
“Most importantly, our leaders have learnt from their past mistakes. They have come to appreciate the fact that one man one vote under a system of democratic accountability and the rule of law as its core value is better than socialist command and control dogma that have plagued our growth and prosperity in this continent for years.”
He pointed out, “They have come to appreciate that the essence of man is freedom from the wills of others and that freedom itself is a function of property, rights and ownership.
“Fortunately for us today, Ghana continues to be the beacon of hope for our continent. We pride ourselves for having 26 years of uninterrupted democracy. In that period we changed governments four times from ruling political party to opposition party by the ballot. New Patriotic Party, the antecedents of the very political party that brought my late father to the United States as a diplomat, is the same party that controls the reins of government in Ghana today.”
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin expressed optimism about the future of Ghana and the continent, saying, “…and I am secure in my knowledge that our President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo will lead the way in this journey of economic renaissance.”
He added, “I say so because he has kept his word with the people and he is a symbol of selfless humanity who believes in the rule of law as core value of our democratic institutions. His vision is to transform our country from its dependence on the production of raw materials and aid. He aims to see Ghana beyond aid.”
Woos Investors
Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin seized the opportunity to encourage investors in the US to consider Ghana as their destination for investment in Africa.
According to him, “It has taken us decades of experiment, but the good news is that we are here. I know that a good number of you are afraid to bring your money to our continent because of the widespread perception of unstable political systems.
The Okyenhene underscored, “Today, at least in Ghana, all the inhibitions to foreign investments have been removed. We have a stable democracy, an independent judiciary that protects the rights and property of all, citizens and foreigners.”
He also urged global leaders to pay special attention to the welfare of children and the environment.
BY Melvin Tarlue