His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, has paid a courtesy call on Oblempong Nii Kojo Ababio V, chief of James Town and president of the Ngleshie Alata Traditional area as part of the activities marking this year’s Head of State Awards.
The Prince and his delegation which included the Rt.Hon.Lord Paul Boateng, the British High Commissioner, Jon Benjamin and Peter Anum, Executive Director, Head of State Award Scheme were led on the visit by the Minister of Youth and Sports,Hon. Nii Lantey Vanderpuye.
The visit which was heralded by a special durbar of chiefs and people of James Town at Mantse Agbonaa was attended by traditional authorities, government officials, students, the clergy, Head of State Award winners and diplomats.
Welcoming his august visitor, Nii Ababio said the visit was important because of the relationship that has existed between the people of James Town (formerly British Accra) and the British who lived with them.
He said that relationship dated as far back as the 18th century till around 1960 and recalled with nostalgia the good rapport that existed between them and noted that the visit was the evidence of that bond.
Speaking at the function, Hon.Nii Lantey Vanderpuye gave a brief history of the relationship of the people of James Town with the British stressing on the importance of the visit of Prince Edward visit.
He lamented the fading nationalism in the youth and urged them to revive the attitude to work whole-heartedly for their country.
During the occasion, the Prince presented a special plaque to Nii Ababio from her mother whilst the James Town mantse reciprocated with traditional clothes.
Present at the ceremony also was the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Oko Vanderpuye.
