Stories Complied By Sebastian R. Freiku
THE TEPA Traditional Council, headed by its President, Nana Adusei Atwenewaa Ampem II has bestowed the title of Sompahene on Hon. Akwasi Opong-Fosu, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development for being an industrious public officer.
It is for his contributions towards the general development during his tenure of office as District Chef Executive (the District Secretary) for the Ahafo Ano North District which spanned over 12 years.
Mr. Opong-Fosu also served as the President of National Association of Local Government (NALAG) and headed the Local Government Service under late President Mills’ administration.
He also doubles as the Member of Parliament for the Amenfi East constituency in the Western region since January 7, 2013.
A citation read by the Queen mother of Tepa, Nana Agyeiwaa Premo II, indicated that the appointment of Mr. Opong-Fosu as the Minister of Local Government was an honour and has made Tepaman proud having risen to the apex of the Local government structure after learning the rudiments of the system as DCE at the Ahafo Ano North district.
She said the Traditional Council shared in his promotion, which has made the chiefs and people proud.
The citation, which catalogued the various development projects initiated by Mr. Opong-Fosu during his tenure of office as DCE described him as humble, respectful and hardworking.
Besides the citation, Mr. Opong-Fosu was presented with a cloth and a stool as symbol of office as Sompahene.
The Traditional Council also recognized the role of Mrs. Opong-Fosu by presenting her with a cloth.
Nana Adusei Atwenewaa Ampem II, Omanhene of Tepa Traditional area hoped the Minister would continue to champion the development of the area by dint of his new responsibility as Sompahene and a member of the ruling government.
Mr. Opong-Fosu expressed appreciation for the honour done him and urged DCE’s to be guided by the honour accorded him and give off their best in their performance as DCEs while serving the people.
Hon. Collins Dauda, the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing was similarly honoured for his singular efforts in the upgrading of the Health Assistants Training School into a diploma awarding midwifery.
Nana Kwame Ntim II, Omanhene of Manfo, presided over the ceremony which coincided with the observation of the Akwasidae festivity.