Okyehene Launches Centenary Celebration Of William Ofori Atta

The centenary celebration of Mr William Ofori Atta, a founding member of Ghana (Big Six), was officially launched in Accra on Tuesday to play up his mentorship, service and Christian life. The year- long celebration would help acknowledge his unique contributions to Ghana for today and posterity, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Okyehene made this known when he launched the event. He said the late Mr Ofori Atta served the nation with all his heart and played an active role in the achievement of Ghana's independence. Osagyefo Ofori Panin said Mr Ofori Atta had become the "Cinderella" of Ghanaian politics- the neglected and unsung hero of our motherland. "He was unique among Ghanaian politicians, not only a man with good width, but also a man with prosperity, strong but not violent." He expressed gratitude to those who mooted the idea for the centenary celebration for approaching it in a manner that all Ghanaians of all political persuasions and creed could participate in the event. He called on all Ghanaians from all political persuasions, especially the many Christians he mentored to join in the celebration to make it a non-partisan uniting force in the country. Prof Stephen Adei, Chairman of the Planning Committee said it would be a national honour and credit if government name a national monument of significant landmark after Mr Ofori Atta. He said as part of the activities outlined for the celebration, a centre would be built to house a library on effective leadership, as well as the organisation of public seminars and symposia. "Discussions are advanced for the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon and Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translation, to organise an academic colloquium to bring together distinguished scholars to deliberate on national development issues that would have been of interest to Mr Ofori Atta," he said. Prof Adei said a crowing week of activities later in 2011, as well as monthly lectures through out the year to celebrate the life of Mr Ofori Atta and to discuss non-partisan national topics have been planned. He called on government, the business community, religious bodies and friends to make the celebration a memorable one. Mr Bernard Eghan, Secretary to the Cabinet said Mr Ofori Atta simply exhibited and exemplified a zero tolerance for corruption, adding that he was not only a model politician but also served as a constant rebuke to many in public life in Ghana. He said his qualities would stand out tall and would be acknowledged by all because of his passion for national duty, adding that Ghana's history could not be completely written without him.