A young Ghanaian, Emmanuel Nii Odartey Lamptey has been admitted into the ‘Freedom of the City of London’ at the Guildhall in the capital of the United Kingdom (UK).
The honour was in recognition of his contribution towards the development of the youth in London as the President of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) between January and December 2021.
As a recipient, the 33-year-old had been presented with a prestigious title including citizenship in the UK as part of a tradition dating back almost 800 years.
Lamptey was nominated for the city’s award by two previous recipients of the prestigious title and members of the JCI in London, Chirs Edge and Corinna Edge. Per the requirements, two nominations for freedom are needed from individuals who are Liverymen of the City of London.
The admission of Mr. Lamptey brings to 12, the number of Ghanaians that have attained the ‘Freedom from the City of London’ corporation after being extended to persons of different nationality. The citation presented to him read in parts: “Emmanuel Nii Odartey Lamptey was admitted in the Freedom of the City of London and made a declaration required by law.”
Mr. Lamptey expressed delight at obtaining the honour and said: “I am extremely proud to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London title. It is a wonderful honour for myself and my family, and a real privilege to follow so many great figures and names in history. For me, this award showcases how my contribution to the youth of London has been recognized by the City of London Corporation.”
He noted that through the tenet of hard work, the JCI London received three awards during his period as the president in 2021, and it was the first in more than five years.
Opened for collaboration
Mr. Lamptey who is a financial consultant in London, said he was ready to build strong collaborations and partnerships that could support the development of the youth in Ghana.
“I am a Ghanaian and keen to make a positive impact in Ghana. I have only been in the UK for about nine years but whatever I have done here; I would like to replicate in Ghana to support my local community. I am looking for opportunities to make a difference in Ghana,” he added.
Notable list
Some notable personalities on that list include the likes of Dame Vera Lynn, scientist and black holes pioneer, Sir Roger Penrose, former England cricketers, Roland Butcher and Ebony Rainford-Brent, actors Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Michael Caine and Dame Barbara Windsor, BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
He also becomes part of an illustrious group of Africans who have attained the freedom of the city status including the late Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela and the late South African Anglican bishop and theologian, Desmond Tutu.
The origin
The Freedom of the City of London was in the earliest times, an essential requirement for all who wished to carry on business and prosper in trade within the Square Mile.
As a result, the privileges attached to freedom were eagerly sought, while the duties and obligations of freemen were faithfully observed. The close connection between freemen and London’s government can be traced back to the Saxon folkmoot and to the ‘Great Concourse’ of the early Norman kings.
As London grew, its population, trade and craft industries expanded to such an extent that it became impossible for all freemen to be directly involved in determining the evolving structure of local government. As a result, the relationship between freemen and the government of London changed to representation through the masters and wardens of the Guilds and Livery companies.
