Sankara Interchange re-named after Dr. Ako Adjei

Accra, March 12, GNA - The Interchange at the old Sankara roundabout along the Liberation Road in Accra was on Saturday re-named after Dr. Ebenezer Ako Adjei, one of the famous 'Big Six' of Gold Coast politics who spearheaded the struggle for Ghana's independence from Colonial rule.

Dr. Ako Adjei, became the first Foreign Minister after the liberation struggle and was involved in the formulation of the country's foreign policy and level of international engagements. Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh I C Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister noted that the gesture was in recognition of the invaluable contributions of Dr. Adjei towards freeing the country from the grip of colonialism. He said, "After all he helped to liberate Ghana and assisted to lay the foundations of our international relations at the height of the cold war when the country needed to walk the diplomatic tight rope unflinchingly".

Sheikh Quaye quoted the old adage that says, "A nation that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for" and said in so doing people would commit themselves to hard work knowing that their illustrious deeds would be rewarded. He said the government would continue to honour other outstanding persons who dedicated their lives to the services of the nation.

Naa Astia Yaoley, daughter of Dr Ako Adjei, on behalf of her family praised the government for "cementing the name of our father in the palm of the nation that would never be forgotten". She said due to the rich political experience of Dr. Adjei, he helped to keep a balance between the country's desire to break from the past and the need to maintain useful ties and links with major world powers and other international institutions.

Dr Adjei served in various capacities as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Labour and Interior. Additionally, before his demise, he was decorated with the highest honour of Ghana, Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana on the 40th Independence Day celebration in 1997. In 1999, he was also given the Millennium Excellence Award for Outstanding Statesmen. The ceremony was attended by chiefs, Members of Parliament, government officials including Nii Ayikwei Otoo, Minister for Justice and Attorney-General and the Mayor of Accra, Mr Stanley Nii Adjiri-Blankson.