Ofori-Atta Centenary Celebrations Launched

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has launched the William Ofori-Atta Centenary Celebrations to mark the life and works of the former statesman, who is also a member of the famous Big Six of Ghanaian politics.

Activities lined up for the celebration include church services with a commemorative one slated for Sunday, October 10, a monthly lecture addressing a theme of significance to Ghana’s development, a colloquium and a crowning week of lectures and celebrations.

Born on October 10, 1910, William Ofori Atta held the positions of Chairman of the Council of State, Chairman of the Cocoa Marketing Board, Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Minister of Education, Culture and Sports and Minister of Foreign Affairs, among others.

At the launch, the Okyenhene charged all Ghanaians “to join in this celebration to make it a non-partisan uniting force in our country.”

“Paa Willie, as all and sundry came to call Mr William Eugene Ofori Atta, was unique among Ghanaians,” he said, adding that “though born a royal of royals from both his father’s and mother’s side, he chose to live as a commoner and throughout his life sought what was best for his people.”

Osagyefo Ofori Panin said as a result, William Ofori Atta distinguished himself as a teacher, principal of Abuakwa State College, Secretary of Okyeman Council, a politician and incorruptible statesman and a Christian leader and missionary, among other things.

“It is, therefore, ironic that Paa Willie has become the Cinderella of Ghanaian politics - the neglected and unsung hero of our motherland,” he emphasised.

The Secretary to the present Cabinet, Mr Ben Clement Eghan, described William Ofori Atta as a statesman who towered above most politicians, a Christian par excellence.

“In William Ofori Atta, we have a scholar and lawyer, a royal who epitomised the best our tradition,” he said, and that “it is therefore fitting that some friends of Paa Willie initiated these commemorative activities.”

He looked forward to a year of activities where the government, opposition, Parliament, Judiciary, academia, civil society, Christians and all would feel comfortable to participate in the celebration.

Mr Eghan noted that William Ofori Atta’s life was inextricably linked to Ghana as an independent nation.

The acting chairman of the Planning Committee of the William Ofori Atta Centenary Celebrations, Prof. Stephen Adei, said the celebration was in recognition of the true mentorship, service and Christian character of Paa Willie.

The only son of William Ofori Atta, Mr Bernard Ofori Atta, said his father devoted the rest of his life to Christian ministry.

Various speakers, including Dr Obed Asamoah, extolled the virtues of William Ofori Atta.