Kufuor mourns Omanhene of Techiman

Techiman (B/A), Feb 21, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor at the weekend joined thousands of people from all walks of life to pay their last respects to the late Osabarima Dotobibi Takyia Ameyaw 11, Omanhene of Techiman Traditional Area.

The late Omanhene, known in private life as Colonel Joseph Yaw Frimpong of the Ghana Army, died on September 22 last year at the 37 Military Hospital and would be buried on Wednesday, February 25. Ministers of State, including the Senior Minister, Mr J. H. Mensah, some Members of Council of State and NPP functionaries, accompanied the President and Mrs Theresa Kufuor.

Also in Techiman to mourn with the people were Chiefs from the Brong Ahafo led by Nana Kwadwo Nyarko 1V, President of the Regional House of Chiefs, the clergy and other religious leaders. Culture was at its best as Chiefs led their retinues to pay their last respects to their fallen colleague amid the firing of musketry, wailing by women and the singing of dirges. The whole vibrant commercial metropolis was awash with mourners all clad in red and black funeral cloths and dresses and many could be seen perched on top of buildings and trees for a clearer view of the scene.

The Senior Minister on behalf of the government presented 10 million cedis and drinks to the Traditional Council while the Council of State also presented 500,000 cedis and drinks.

He acknowledged the courtesy of the Traditional Council and the Regional House of Chiefs for informing the government about the death of the Omanhene and for taking the President's advice at the Castle to avert any disturbances in the area on the death of the Omanhene. Mr Mensah expressed the hope that the Council would choose the right successor and also inform the government about the final funeral rites after the installation of a new Omanhene.

Nana Asa Ackompanin, Chairman of the funeral planning committee who is the Krobohene and Kyidomhene of the traditional area said the kingmakers were making efforts to get the right successor by December this year in a peaceful atmosphere.