By Yussif Ibrahim
Atwima Hwidiem (Ash), Sept. 29, GNA – The family of the late General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, former Head of State of Ghana, has appealed to the government to preserve and build on some of his development initiatives, particularly in agriculture, housing and national self-reliance.
Nana Boadi Ababio, Chief of Atwima Hwediem, made the appeal at a ceremony to mark the 95th birthday of the former Head of State at Atwima Hwediem, in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region.
General Acheampong, who was born on September 23, 1931, and died on June 16, 1979, served as Ghana’s Head of State from January 1972 to July 1978.
Nana Boadi Ababio, who organised the commemorative event with the immediate family of General Acheampong, said some of the policies and programmes introduced under General Acheampong were aimed at promoting economic development, food security and national self-reliance.
He cited the Operation Feed Yourself programme, launched in 1972 to promote agricultural production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported food, as one of the initiatives that could provide useful lessons for addressing contemporary economic challenges.
The Chief also mentioned the former leader’s emphasis on national control of economic resources, housing development and infrastructure, as well as the Operation Keep Right exercise, which saw Ghana switch from driving on the left to the right in 1974.
He said the administration also undertook housing projects and investments in health and education infrastructure across the country.
The Chief appealed to the government to revisit what he described as the visionary aspects of General Acheampong’s policies and adapt them to current national development needs, particularly in job creation, agriculture and economic growth.
He expressed concern that many young people continued to struggle to secure employment and said stronger investment in productive sectors could help create sustainable livelihoods.
General Acheampong, who was born in Kumasi, received his early education at Trabuom Elementary School, St. Peter’s Catholic School in Kumasi and the Central College of Commerce at Agona Swedru before joining the Gold Coast Frontier Force in 1951.
He subsequently rose through the ranks of the Ghana Armed Forces and became Head of State following the overthrow of the government of Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia in January 1972.
Initially, he led the country under the National Redemption Council (NRC), which was later transformed into the Supreme Military Council (SMC) in 1975.
General Acheampong was removed from office in July 1978 and subsequently executed by firing squad on June 16, 1979, following the June 4 uprising.
Nana Boadi recalled General Acheampong’s role in permitting the repatriation and state burial of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who died in exile in 1972.
The commemorative event was attended by members of the immediate family, including Pastor Alfred Owusu Ansah, Mr Stephen Adjei Acheampong, Head of the Family, Richard Acheampong, Kwabena Owusu Acheampong, Theresa Acheampong, Yaw Acheampong, Faustina Acheampong and Rose Acheampong.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim