Vice President John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday gave high marks to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for bringing on board new standards in traditional leadership, a legacy, he said, the nation cherished.
He said the Asantehene had brought new dimensions to traditional rule in the last 11 years, citing the establishment of the Otumfuo Education Fund, which has been supporting needy students regardless of their ethnic background as something that had become a good example for other chiefs to follow.
"Asantehene is not only a traditional leader, but a man of humility, intelligence and wisdom, which Asanteman and Ghana is blessed to have," the Vice President said.
Vice President Mahama was speaking at a special thanksgiving service organized at the St. Cyprian Anglican Cathedral in Kumasi to mark the 60th
anniversary celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Ghana's two former Presidents, Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament (MPs), the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers and the clergy were among the tall list of dignitaries
present.
Also there to add colour and invest the occasion with added importance were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade Olusege II and Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Gabriel Osawura Igbinedion from Nigeria.
The Vice President lauded the Asantehene for the role he was playing in the promotion of national peace and said the government would forever remain grateful to him for efforts he was making to restore peace to Dagbon.
He again acknowledged the Asantehene for opening his doors to all irrespective of political or ethnic affiliation and urged other leaders, especially politicians to learn from him.
He promised that the government would continue to support traditional authorities to handle their side of governance for the betterment of the country.
Vice President Mahama used the event to rally the people to the side of the government's development agenda, saying all should come together to push this forward.
Right Reverend Professor Osei Sarfo-Kantanka, Methodist Bishop of Kumasi, in a sermon, advised that leaders should take decisions that would help them to leave enduring legacies for the people.
He asked the people to pray to God to guide the Asantehene in all that he does and bless his reign.