08/10/2024
NGMAYEM 2024 BUILDUP IS GETTING SO INTERESTING: GET TO KNOW OUR PAST KONORS
OKLEMEKUKU
AZZU MATE KOLE
(MV,KMC, OBE,LLD
(UGL), 1939-1990
Oklemekuku Azzu Mate Kole was enstooled as Konor of Manya Krobo in June 1939, following the demise of his father, Sir Emmanuel Mate Kole. He was the fourth and longest occupant of the Sacred Agbaa Stool, reigning for 51 years. His rule was marked by several policy initiatives that led Manya Krobo to be recognized as one of the leading states in the Gold Coast.
He undertook the construction of numerous roads and bridges, including those linking Asesewa, Blipor, Sisiamang, Abuachau to the Akrum River, as well as those from Sekesua to Osonson, Breposu, Sutapong up to Ehiamekyene. He also oversaw the construction of roads linking Asesewa-Akateng, Asesewa-Akotue, Asesewa-Sekesua, among others, along with several bridges, including those over the Akrum (see Addo, 1990).
To promote education of the Krobo people, he established 15 Akro schools in Manya Krobo, including Akro SHTS and Manya Krobo Senior High School. His reign witnessed the expansion of the Krobo territory beyond the Akrum River. Nene Azzu Mate Kole contributed to the colonial and postcolonial governance of Ghana in various capacities. He was appointed as a member of the Colonial Government's Central Advisory Committee on Education from 1946 to 1951. He also served as a member of the Blackhall Committee on Native Courts, The Beaton's Committee on Swollen Shoot Disease, and Rehabilitation of Cocoa from 1948 to 1950. He held positions on the Council of the Council of University College of Ghana from 1958 to 1960 and the Achimota School Board for several years. Additionally, he served on the Wartime Economic Committee of the Gold Coast.
In 1946, he entered the Legislative Council under the provisions of the then Electoral College, which reserved seats for
representatives of the Provincial Council of Chiefs. He was a member of the Coussey Committee on Constitutional Reform
(1949), the Akuffo Addo Constitutional Committee (1968), Chairman of the National Advisory Committee (1968), Deputy
Speaker of the Constituent Assembly (1969), among others.
Nene Azzu Mate Kole received various recognitions for his contributions on both the national and international stages. In
1942, he was awarded the King's Medal for Chiefs (KMC). In 1948, he was honoured with the Most Distinguished Order of the
British Empire (OBE). In 1969, he was bestowed with the Order of the Volta (MOV), the highest award of Ghana. Crowning his
achievements, the University of Ghana conferred upon him the Degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa).
CREDIT: 2023 NGMAYEM BROCHURE
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