Reject politicians who offer money - Asantehene

Kumasi, Nov. 26, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has admonished Ghanaians to be wary of politicians who entice them with money to be given the mandate during elections.

"We should resolve to reject such politicians and their offers and rather look out for committed people who have the will and ability to serve the people when given the mandate", he said.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said money should not be made the basis for casting ballots for candidates since such negative practices deprived the nation of competent people to handle her affairs.

He was speaking at an Awards Night to climax the commemoration of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Otumfuo Opoku Ware II Jubilee Foundation in Kumasi on Friday.

Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Chief Executive Officer of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and nine other personalities were honoured for distinguishing themselves in their fields of endeavour whilst also contributing immensely to the nation's development.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu expressed concern about the impunity with which some authorities of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies as well as traditional rulers sold for their selfish gains, lands meant for development projects and other purposes.

"It is very unfortunate that lands which are meant for community development projects are in some instances clandestinely re-zoned and demarcated for use by private estate developers", the Asantehene remarked.

Whilst urging Ghanaians to exhibit honesty in whatever they did, Otumfuo Osei Tutu challenged the awar d winners to strive for more honours in their chosen careers.

Dr Sir Kwame Donkor-Fordwor, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Catholic University in Sunyani and chairman for the occasion, commended the Foundation for having reached this landmark since its establishment.

A citation accompanying a shield of honour awarded to Prof Frimpong-Boateng read in part, "You have won the gratitude and admiration of your fellow Ghanaians for electing to return home rather than pursue and enjoy the tempting attractions and comforts of greener pastures.

You have pursued your dedication to the promotion of medical education and health care delivery with a zeal which is almost missionary", the citation said.

The other award winners included Nana Dwomoh-Sarpong, an environmentalist, Dr Joe Mainoo, an obstetrician gynaecologist, Mr Anthony Stephen Yaw Andoh, a constitutional expert, Opanin Kofi Agyei, an industrialist and Professor (Mrs) Ernestine Akosua Addy, a medical scientist.

The rests were Professor Malcolm McLeod, an educationist, Mr Daniel Amponsah alias Agya Koo Nimo, a musician, Mr Osei Kwadwo, an educationist and Dr Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, a reconstructive spine surgeon. 26 Nov. 05