Okyenhene supports Free SHS graduate

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, on behalf of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has presented a cash support of GHC20,000 to Thomas Amoani, a free SHS graduate who passed with distinction in the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination(WASSCE) results released by the examinations body, the West Africa Examination Council(WAEC).

The 18-year-old, a beneficiary of the free SHS policy introduced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, obtained eight A1 in the WASSCE. A product of Adeiso Presbyterian Senior High School . Thomas has already received a scholarship from the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat to further his education abroad.

Big honour

Speaking at the last meeting of the 21st session of the Akyem Abuakwa State Council, the Okyenhene said it is a big honour to the Akyem state having one of their own pass the WASSCE successfully.

He said there is, therefore, the need for Okyeman to also honour the young boy to serve as motivation to all other free SHS beneficiaries.

He added that other children will be motivated not to use their time in school for unnecessary things but rather focus on their books and make Ghana and themselves proud.

‘Galamsey’ fight

Meanwhile the Okyenhene also called on chiefs who give out lands to foreigners and locals to mine illegally to desist from the bad act.

He said that a task force has been put in place to work with the Ghana police and the law courts to arrest and prosecute all individuals found leasing lands to people to mine illegally.

“I won’t identify you as my brother or relative if you engage in illegal mining activities when you are caught. You will be dealt with accordingly and there wouldn’t be anyone who will plead on your behalf.

Our lands and rivers have been damaged and contaminated due to inexperienced illegal mining known as galamsey. There’s a law which can sentence you to 10-15 years imprisonment when you’re caught dealing in galamsey,” he added.

The Okyenhene mentioned that it is only in Ghana that a foreigner can find his way into the country illegally and engage himself in illegal mining and go free without any problems.

He therefore assured those engaged in ‘galamsey’ to be prepared because 2021 is going to be a ‘very dangerous and bad year’ for them because the task force going to arrest them.

Peace campaign

He called for peace during and after the general election. He entreated Ghanaians to treat everyone equally, adding that the country is for no one but for Ghanaians.

The Okyenhene also urged the leaders of the various political parties to desist from abusive politics and advise their supporters to do same to avoid any violence.