Atukpai Stool to bid ancestors farewell

Accra, May 14, GNA - The Atukpai dynasty in the Greater Accra Region will soon organize a massive funeral rite in October to customarily bid all deceased members of the dynasty farewell.

This has come about due to the inability of the dynasty to organise funerals for its royals since it was created in the 14th century by Nii Tetteh Tsuru I, the then Atukpai Mantse.

Areas which fall under the Atukpai traditional jurisdiction include Kokomlemle, Jamestown, Kwabenya, Adabraka, Okaishie, Newtown, Akuandow, Kwajoman, Nii Tetteh Tsuruman and part of Kpong all in the Greater Accra Region.

Addressing a press conference on the funeral on Friday, Nii Tetteh Adjabeng 1, Adabraka Atukpai Mantse expressed disappointment at the inability of the successive families to organise funerals for the departe= d members of the family calling it as an oversight.

"The whole thing is turning into a custom for the people of Atukpai which should not be the case. To us, all our dead heroes are lost in tran= sit somewhere, awaiting a befitting funeral to help them crossover to the oth= er side for rest", he explained.

He noted that the funeral would be held for chiefs, queen mothers, caretakers, family heads, priests and priestesses who fell under the Stoo= l. Nii Tetteh Tsuru 11, Atukpai Mantse, said the organisation of the funeral would pave the way for the development of Atukpai since it would enable them to receive the blessings of their ancestors. It would also help the Atukpai Stool to re-plan and also bring all persons who fall under it together, he said.

Nii Ardy Kuaku V, Adonten Atukpai Mantse, praised the funeral commit= tee for its feverish preparation towards the grand funeral and urged citizens= of Atukpai to help in making the funeral successful.

"I will urge all to help us raise the needed amount for the successf= ul organisation of this funeral for our ancestors", he said. Part of activities of the grand funeral include blood donation to th= e Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, donations to foster homes, a health walk and clean up campaigns.