Belgium Businessman Named King Of 60,000In Ghana ( the man who would be King )
;-)
AGBOZUME, Ghana (AP)--Draped in brightly colored kente cloth, a Belgian
businessman became the unlikely king of a traditional community in Ghana's
lush eastern Volta region.
Muskets blasted and dancers swirled as King Kofi Arthur Paes, 45, was sworn
in as honorary leader of about 60,000 people from the Ewe tribe living in
the market town of Agbozume and surrounding villages.
Grasping a traditional sword in his right hand, he pledged to promote
development in the largely agricultural region of West Africa - paying
particular attention to improving the local secondary school.
"I will work to enhance living standards of my people and ensure peace and
harmony," he repeated after King Makorsor Hor II, paramount chief of the
Somey traditional area.
It is customary among the Ewes to recognize foreigners who have contributed
to the community with an honorary title. Last year, a Dutch construction
worker was also named king, or togbe, of part of Volta.
Paes, who became friends with people from Agbozume in Belgium, has visited
twice and donated GHC30 million ($1=GHC7,325) toward the construction of a
road.
"The road project has been very dear to our hearts," Bright Agamah, an elder
of the community, said Tuesday. "It marks a turning point in our efforts to
attract resources for development."
Paes' title became official July 14. He returned home to Maasmechelen soon
after the ceremony, but has promised to make frequent visits to Ghana, where
he hopes to help promote local industries, including pineapple and salt
production.
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 08-07-01
03:11 PM
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