The final funeral rites of the late Oblempong Nii Kojo Ababio V, President of Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council of the Ga State and Jamestown Mantse, has begun in Accra.

Nii Akwei Bonsu III, the Korlewe Mantse of Jamestown and the Paramount Stool Secretary for the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday in Accra, urged Ghanaians to disregard the rumours going round that the funeral of the Paramount Chief has been postponed.

“Through this media, I stand to correct an impression that is going on that the funeral of the late Jamestown Mantse, the Paramount Chief Oblempong Nii Kojo Ababio V, has being put on hold. It is a very big lie. As we speak, the mortal remains lies in state in the palace, where mourners are going forth and back,” he said.

“The wrong impression being created by some of the media houses led by the detractors of Jamestown should be ignored. The public and all sons and daughters of Jamestown are all informed that the funeral is on until Sunday.”

Nii Bonsu III said the issue of some people saying the funeral of the late Paramount Chief had being put on hold and circulating letters to that effect were from people that they were not aware; declaring that “the main thrust of the matter is that the funeral is on”.

“His (Oblempong Ababio’s) journey to his ancestors is getting to its final end. Let’s all come out and celebrate the first dentist of Ghana.”

He said the late Oblempong Ababio, who was the second Jamestown Mantse to reign for 39 years and five months, has done a lot for Ngleshie Alata Traditional Area, Ghanaians and the world at large.

“The funeral celebration is on. And so all and sundry should come and celebrate the life of the Jamestown Mantse,” he said.

Early on, former President John Dramani Mahama was on Wednesday also at the Palace in Jamestown, Accra, to commiserate with the children and family of the late Paramount Chief and members of the Traditional Council.

Oblempong Nii Kojo Ababio V passed on December 22, 2017, after ruling for 39 years as President of Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council in the Ga State and as James Town Mantse.

Oblempong Nii Kojo Ababio V, who was known in private life as Mr Ezekiel Quarmina Allotey Cofie and a brand name as Dentist Cofie of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, was born on June 12, 1920 at James Town, British Accra.

He was the son of Mr William Cofie of Aflangai Shia, Naa Korle We and Madam Delphina Owoo from Naa Sally We Krotia Division, Adjumaku of the Royal Stool of Ngleshie Alata (James Town) Accra.