–National House of Chiefs extols Juabenhene
The National House of Chiefs has praised the Omanhene of Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, for his immeasurable contribution to growth and development of the chieftaincy institution in Ghana.
While the apex body of chiefs acknowledged the exceptional leadership skills and admirable qualities which have manifested in his reign spanning half a century, it also noted that his venerable contribution has shaped the content, direction and focus of chieftaincy administration.
The president of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, said through the sterling stewardship and care for humanity of Nana Otuo Siriboe II, “most of the youths’ aspirations in their quest for education and provision of jobs are being gradually met”.
He paid particular commendation to the Omanhene of Juaben Traditional Area for maintaining peace, security and unity throughout his reign as the chief of Juaben.
“Indeed, there are no better examples available to our crop of generational chiefs than to emulate your rule and leadership style,” he stated.
Contribution to the National House of Chiefs
Nana Otuo Siriboe II became a member of the National House of Chiefs in 1975 – a few years after its establishment in 1969 – and left the House in 2001 after spending some 26 years with the apex body of chiefs.
Throughout the period, he served on various committees of the House: as a chairman of the Stool Lands Committee from 1975 to 1992; and also represented the House in 1979, at the Consultative Assembly that drafted the Fourth Republican Constitution of the country.
Between 1995 and 1998, Nana Otuo Siriboe II was again selected to serve as a member of the Stool and Skins Land Committee of the National House of Chiefs, and also as a member of the Planning Committee between 1998 and 2001.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, who is also the Omanhene of Sefwi Anhwiaso, observed that throughout Nana Otuo Siriboe II’s time in the National House of Chiefs he served as chairman of several judicial committees which adjudicated cases.
Request by National House of Chiefs
The president of the National House of Chiefs, who was addressing a gathering of chiefs and people of Juaben and other high-powered dignitaries at the occasion to mark the 50th anniversary of the Juabenhene, who is Chairman of the Council of State, requested that he lead the crusade for the 8th Parliament to reactivate Section 63 D of the Chieftaincy Amendment bill.
The reactivation of Section 63 D of the Chieftaincy Amendment bill, it is hoped, will restore the lost power and authority of nananom, according to Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II.
Goodwill messages
The elder statesman and legal luminary, Mr. Sam Okudzeto, on behalf of the members of the Council of State said Nana Otuo Siriboe II is highly revered and among others demonstrates unmatched qualities and is hardworking, even in his capacity as Chairman of the Council of State.
“Of all the Councils of State, for the past 20 years the current Council has been an exceptional one; not only because of the exceptional talents of individuals who are serving on it, but because of the leadership of Nana Otuo Siriboe II as chair.”
He said Nana Otuo Siriboe II is a leader not only for the chiefs and people of Juaben, but also the country as a whole.
The Juaben Traditional Council, family, children and schoolmates of Nana Otuo Siriboe II also paid homage to the celebrated paramount chief on the occasion marking his coronation of some fifty years ago.
Remarks by Omanhene of Juaben Traditional Area
Nana Otuo Siriboe II disclosed that he was enstooled as Omanhene at the age of 26 years, having been thoroughly educated by elders and members of the royal family on the norms, customs and demands of chieftaincy.
Touching on his involvement in affairs of the state, he said he has served in diverse roles in various administrations of the state: including those of Dr. Hilla Limann, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, both of blessed memories; J.A. Kufour and also currently under the presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo.
While recounting his encounters and work across the country, he also expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of Juaben in particular for the immense support given him, which has enabled the effort to contribute in development of the Juaben area.
He however expressed concern about the current general moral decadence.
Nana Otuo Siriboe II noted that respect for the elders among the youth has waned, amid some alien cultural practices that are promoting gender changes among the youth.
He said there is a need to pay attention to the well-being of children so that they can continue the country’s development in the near-future.
He expressed profound appreciation to all the dignitaries who made the occasion worthwhile.
Dignitaries in attendance
The event was held under the theme ‘Reliving the great occasion of August 31, 1971, Enstoolment Day – August 31, 2021’, and strikingly patronised by a number of dignitaries from across the country.
They included a delegation of Council of State members, which included Sam Okudzeto, E.T. Mensah, Prof. Margret Amoakohene among others.
Other dignitaries included the Executive Chairperson of Business and Financial Times, Dr. Edith Dankwa; National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah; Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison; Ag. Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare; Dr. Peter Akwasi Sarpong of the Catholic Church, among others.
Upcoming anniversary events
- Club football competition – 4th September 2021 to 30th October 2021
- Senior High School Debate – 9th September 2021 to 1st October 2021
- Junior High School Spelling Bee – 10th September, 2021
- Birthday Mass – 21st September, 2021
- Commissioning of Juaso Ahenfie – 28th October, 2021
- 50th Anniversary through the press – 20th November, 2021
- Traditional history, poetry and music day – 20th – November, 2021
- Commissioning of Applanyinasehene Ahenfie – 27th November, 2021
- Health Check – 30th November, 2021
- Inauguration of Golden Jubilee projects – 30th November, 2021
- Anniversary-eve jamboree and fireworks – 3rd December, 2021
- Golden Jubilee Durbar – 4th December, 2021 (Special Guest of Honour Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo)
- Thanksgiving
