Former President John Agyekum Kufuor and 17 other personalities were on Wednesday honoured by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, at a colourful ceremony at the fore court of Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. The awards were in recognition of their dedicated and enormous service towards the development of Asanteman and the nation. It formed part of activities marking the Asantehene’s 59th birthday and 10th anniversary celebration of his ascension to the Golden Stool. Former President Kufuor was decorated with a Gold Medal and Kente. A citation read said “During the eight years of your reign as president of Ghana, the country experienced great progress in most of her endeavours which won the admiration of the international community. “You were elected as Chairman of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for two terms, President of African Union (AU) which epitomised the confidence reposed in you by your fellow African Leaders due to your good leadership qualities. "Your respect for rule of law, good governance and freedom of speech helped to improve the living standards of the citizenry and on the 10th anniversary celebration of my ascension to the Golden Stool, I deem it fit to confer on you the traditional title of “Bosompra”, for your commitment towards the well-being of mankind”. Former President Kufuor accompanied by his wife, Theresa, and other family members accompanied him to pay homage to the Asantehene after the title had been conferred on him. Other personalities honoured included Dr Sir Kwame Donkor Fordjour who was conferred with the title “Kantinka”, Archbishop Emeritus Peter Akwasi Sarpong, Retired Catholic Bishop of Kumasi Diocese, Most Reverend Bishop Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, Archbishop of Saint Cyprians Anglican Church Kumasi and His Grace Dr Justice Offei Akrofi, Archbishop of Anglican Province of West Africa. The rest were Dr Sir Sam Jonah, Former Chief Executive Officer of Anglo-gold Ashanti, Mr Kojo Yankah, a Journalist and a Consultant, Mr Kofi Badu, a Veteran Journalist, Paapa Dadson, a Kumasi-based Legal Practitioner, Mr Benjamin Amponsah Mensah, an Industrialist, Nana Kwadwo Nyantakyi II, Sanaahene, Professor Joseph Owoahene Acheampong, Medical Consultant and Physician, Dr Charlotte Abeka, a Dentist, Nana Akua Yaa Ode, Nana Akosua Akyaama II, Juabenhemaa, Nana Adoma Serwaa, Nana Akua Dum and Nana Akua Agyeman, all Royals. In an address, Otumfuo Osei Tutu commended the award winners and hoped it would motivate them to strive for excellence in their endeavours. He expressed appreciation to chiefs and people of Asanteman for their support and co-operation during his reign and urged them to continue to pray for God’s guidance for him to ensure a successful reign. Source: GNA