The Head of State and President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufour at the weekend shared moments of joy with the WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr. Joaquim Saweka at the grand durbar of the chiefs and people of Mamfe in Akwapim Traditional Area of the Eastern Region. The two personalities joined the people of Mamfe Akwapim to climax their Annual Ohum festival on Saturday 26 January 2008. 

The grand durbar of the people and chiefs, which was colourful and full of delight to watch also, marked the 10th anniversary of the enstoolment of the Paramount chief of Mamfe and Kyidomhene of Akwapim traditional area, Osabarima Ansah Sasraku III. Most of the chiefs including the Nana Ansah Sasraku arrived at the durbar ground in their traditional pageantries, carried shoulder high in palanquins and followed by large retinues amid drumming, dancing and firing of musketry. 

The WR and his wife, together with some members of staff were at the durbar to honor the invitation from the Chief, Elders and Planning Committee and to support Mrs. Sakyibea Akuffo-Parry, the Administrator at the Country office who is the wife of the Paramount Chief.

The President arrived a few minutes to the end of the programme. His arrival in the dying minutes threw the durbar ground which was already in ecstasy of joy into heightened excitement as most people wanted to catch a glimpse of him or shake hand with him. The Head of State, who is also the current Chairman of the African Union (AU), was full of joy when he saw the WR and wife among the invited guests. He expressed appreciation to WR for making time to familiarize himself with the socio-cultural practices of the people of Ghana. WR on his part was full of delight at the President's remarks and in a handshake thanked him and expressed his belief that this festival was another good lesson that Africa and the world could learn from the people of Ghana in the respect for own traditions and cultural values.

Some of the dignitaries who attended the occasion were Members of Parliament, Ministers of State, District Chief Executives and members of the Diplomatic Corps. Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, former Minister for Public Sector Reform and Flag bearer for the Convention People's Party (CPP) for the December 2008 Presidential elections was also present to represent the CPP.

The WHO Country Office and the Chief and people of Mamfe have a long standing collaboration which was cemented in 2000 when WHO supported a community sanitation program by building a six cubicle Ventilated Improved Pit Latrine.