Okyenhene's burial announced

Accra (Greater Accra) 22 April 

Osagyefuo Kuntukunuku the Second, Okyenhene, who went to the village last month, would be laid in state from August nine and buried on August 16, a delegation from Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council announced on Wednesday at the Castle, Osu. The delegation, which was led by Osabarima Kena Ampaw the Second, Adontenhene, called on President Jerry John Rawlings and formally informed him of the death and funeral arrangements for Osagyefuo Kuntukunuku.

Osagyefuo Kuntukunuku, President of the National House of Chiefs and a Member of the Council of State, died after a short illness.

President Rawlings recalled that a few years back when the Kibi Government Hospital was without a doctor, Osagyefuo Kuntukununku, a doctor by profession, stepped in and treated patients. "He demonstrated that he was not only there for ceremonial purposes. He did his best for his people."

President Rawlings appealed to the "king makers" of Akyem Abuakwa to strive to find a worthy replacement for the late Okyenhene, saying, "Government is aware of the importance of chiefs to their communities".

Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, Chairman of the Council of State, said for the short period that Osagyefuo Kuntukunuku served on the Council, his contribution was tremendous. "He was a dedicated and a progressive member of the Council", he said.

Mr Nathan Quao, an Adviser to the President, said since his enstoolment in 1976, Osagyefuo Kuntukunuku worked tirelessly to raise the living standards of his people. "He contributed not only to chieftaincy but also to national development.

My humble appeal to you is to ensure a peaceful succession so that the people would not be without a leader for long," he said.

Nana Akuoku Sarpong, Presidential Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Akuamoah Boateng, a Minister of State, Profesor Kofi Awoonor and Mr D.S. Boateng, both Presidential Staffers, praised the late chief, saying the nation had lost a great traditional ruler.