From Richard Owusu-Akyaw
Lady Julia Osei Tutu, wife of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has unveiled a 10-metre Christmas tree in Kumasi.
It was initiated by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), as part of its beautification programme for the yuletide. Lady Julia urged Ghanaians not to forget the poor as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.
The occasion also marked the observation of the Night of Nine Lessons and Carols held at the Stewart Avenue in Adum. Lady Julia, who read the first lesson, urged Ghanaians to celebrate the birth of Christ in peace.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Samuel Sarpong, read the second lesson, while Mr. Francis Dwira read the third, and a representative e of the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council read the fourth.
Deputy Commissioner of Police DCOP Kofi Boakye read the fifth lesson, with the Vice Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Journalism Association, who doubles as the Regional Manager of Ghana News Agency (GNA), Madame Elizabeth Kankam, reading the sixth.
The Presiding Member of the KMA, Nana Kofi Senya, read the seventh lesson, with the Central Commander, Brigadier Joseph Adu-Boampong, taking the eighth, while the last reading was by the Chaplain of the KMA.
The Chief Executive officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Kojo Bonsu, also used the occasion to encourage residents to keep their surroundings clean as they celebrate the Christmas holidays.
He assured residents of Kumasi of maximum security during the yuletide. Mayor Bonsu affirmed that the police, with a support from the military, were on the ground and on high alert.
“Measures are in place to guarantee the safety and security of our citizens during and after this period.”
Mayor Bonsu expressed profound gratitude to the Chinese firm called Guangzhou Water Art Company for donating the Christmas. He said the gesture by the Chinese showed how far the KMA had come in its ties with the People’s Republic of China.