By Eric Yaw Boakye
Prang, (Bono East), Oct. 2, GNA – Mr Francis Owusu Antwi, the Bono East Regional Minister has extolled Nana Kwadwo Nyarko II, the Paramount Chief Prang Traditional Area for his exceptional contributions to advancing the development of the region and the nation by extension.
Describing him as a true statesman, he said the chief’s 60 years of reign coupled with a sense of humility, integrity and diligence in serving the people, the region and the nation remained unparalleled.
Mr Antwi gave the commendation when he addressed a durbar of the chiefs and people to mark the launch of the 60th anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of Nana Nyarko II at Prang in the Pru West District of the Region.
He recollected that: “Nana Nyarko II services to the nation as a Member of the Council of State in the late former President flight lieutenant John Jerry Rawlings government, President of the then Brong-Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs and his continuous reign as a paramount chief for 60 years now is exceptional”.
“In fact, his humility, faithfulness, trust and love make him a true statesman. We always remember him for his sense of togetherness which has strengthened the prevailing peace and social cohesion translating into the development of the Pru West District, the region and the nation”, Mr Antwi stated.
On his part, Nana Nyarko said he was highly elated about the praises showered on him by the regional ministers and pledged to contribute his quota towards the holistic development of the region.
The Paramount Chief also used the event to unveil the 60th celebration of the “Nkyifie Yam” festival, to be held in November 2025.
Born on 23rd September 1944, Nana Nyarko II ascended the stool on September 2, 1965, when he was then a student at the University of Cape Coast, at age 21.
The 81-year-old Paramount Chief is presumably the present longest-reigning chief in the country, reigning for 60 years.
He succeeded his late grandfather Nana Kwadwo Nyarko I who died after a short illness.
Nana Nyarko III said his 60th anniversary celebration would be held between November 14 to November 2025 with several activities including clean-up exercises, a durbar and thanksgiving service.
He expressed appreciation to God for his long life and the chiefs and people of the area and the government for their cooperation and support which had made his reign successful.
Nana Nyarko II said: “Even though as a human being without perfection, I have been able to live peacefully with my people”, he stated and advised the people to continue to live in unity and contribute to the development of the area.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Kenneth Odeng Adade