The Etwienanahene of Akyem Abuakwa, Barima Kwaku Dua, has conferred the title “Aboteréwura” on Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the 2012 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party.
Nana Akufo-Addo, a grandson of the Okyeman royal family, was honoured for his four decades of selfless service to his nation by his household at a ceremony which took place in the presence of the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and his elders at Ofori Panin Fie at Kyebi in the Eastern Region last Friday.
Aboteréwura translates into a "man of exceptional tolerance, perseverance, compassion and patience."
The citation, which summed up the reasons behind the award stated, “With patience, tolerance, courage and a pragmatic sense of urgency, you have, for the last four decades, led from the front the processes that have today made Ghana a peaceful, democratic and respectful nation in Africa.
You have contributed more than your quota to making Ghana a role model for the rest of the continent. Still, you continue to contribute. You continue to serve. You continue to lead.”
Those at the ceremony included Odehye Atta Akyea, MP for Abuakwa South, Odehye Nana Poku, Edward Akufo-Addo, Ken Ofori-Atta, Chairman of Databank, Joe Ofori-Atta, Director, Woolworths Africa, Michael Ofori-Atta, CEO of Buildmart and Asare Otchere-Darko, CEO, Global Dynamix.
The low key but colourful ceremony was part of the three days of events to mark the first anniversary of Barima Kwaku Dua's enstoolment.
Reading the citation, Mrs Rhoderline Baffour-Gyimah, said "We honour you for your selfless sacrifice to humankind.
For your courageous patriotism to your country. For your depthless tolerance of all that is done falsely against your person. For your patience. For your sincerity. For your consistency. For your conviction. For your determination to see Ghana becoming a free and prosperous society. For your commitment to building a society of opportunities for every Ghanaian, no matter the circumstances of birth."
She continued, "The freedom that we tend to take for granted today was fought and won by patriots like you, who used the exuberance and courage of their youth to struggle against the dictatorship that we were compelled to endure in apathy and fear.
Over the years, you have used your wisdom, knowledge and energy to fight, without the tools of war, but with your courage and conviction as your weapons. You fought for our democracy and development.
You did not fight for your family, for your ethnic group or for your region. You fought for all Ghanaians. And you did so because you love Ghana. You have fought all your life for what is good for Ghana. You did so because you believe in Ghana. Nana, this is to say to you that we believe in you. That Ghanaians believe in you."
She continued, “When the roll call of the freedom fighters for Ghana are mentioned, Nana, we know yours will be among those at the top. When the roll call of selfless, loyal and trusted Ghanaians are called, Nana, we know your name will be among the top list.
You are Ghana's leading living campaigner of free, fair and democratic elections. You are Ghana’s living campaigner for opportunities for the ordinary masses. You are the champion of the poor; of the voiceless; of the defenseless.”
The citation, which focused on Akufo-Addo’s patriotic service to Ghana, his fight for the ordinary people and his vision to transform Ghana, also described him as a role model and symbol of hope for the youth of Ghana.
“You have reminded us that royalty means loyalty to people and nation. To you, every Ghanaian is an Odehye and must be helped to grow and stand on his or her own two feet. That is the mark of a champion of the masses.”
