Prof Ansu Kyeremeh enstooled as Chief of Ampemenim

Ampemenim (Ash), March 30, GNA - The Immediate-Past Director of the School of Communication Studies of the University of Ghana, Professor Kwesi Ansu-Kyeremeh has been installed as the chief of Ampemenim, in the Atima District of Ashanti Region.

His stool name is Nana Ofobi Kropa III.

His enstooment was laced with all the traditional pomp and pageantry depicting the richness of Ashanti culture and was witnessed by chiefs and queen mothers, dignitaries and a large number of people from all walks of life clad in kuntunkuni clothes.

Nana Ofobi Kropa fills the stool left vacant a fter the death two years ago of Nana Okofo Gyansah II and thus ends a long search by the Kingmakers and paves the way for the final funeral rights of his predecessor in accordance with Ashanti culture.

Nana Ofobi Kropa was admonished to uphold the image carved by his ancestors and to be steadfast in his allegiance to the Golden Stool. He was also entreated to be firm, honest and manly in the discharge of his duties as chief and should endeavour to facilitate the development of the town.

Ampemenim is small farming community in the Atwima District of Ashanti best noted for the cultivation of vegetables, particularly tomatoes, garden eggs and pepper.

Speaking to GNA after his installation the Professor, now Nana Ofobi Kropa III said he saw his new status "as an opportunity to translate theories and concepts into action".

He noted that as an educationist his first priority would be ensuring better education for the people. At present the town has a primary school only and its products have to walk for about four kilometres to attend junior secondary school (JSS) in the nearby town of Bebo. Nana Ofobi Kropa promised to employ his intellect to create job opportunities for the town's youth by enticing investors to Ampemenim to build factories on lands that would be given out by the town for such purposes.

The Professor's intentions matched the expectations of the town folks as expressed by Nana Kusi Obuobi, former reagent of the Ampemenim stool and current Akwamuhene.

He said, while a JSS would be a much needed relief, the town was also craving for good roads, places of convenience and good drinking water. He expressed optimism that the new chief would above all, unite the people for development.

Present at the ceremony was a strong contingent from the Berekum Traditional Area in the Brong Ahafo Region, where Professor Ansu Kyeremeh lived and worked for a long period.

Nana Owusu Nsiah III, Mawerehene of Berekum and Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) led the delegation.

Other chiefs present included Nana Gyau Gyan, Asipimhene and Former Player of the Black Stars and representatives of the Mamponghene and the Asantehene. 30 March 06