Rawlings bids farewell to Sandema Nab

Accra, April 29, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings on Thursday joined the people of Sandema in the Upper East Region to celebrate the final funeral rites of the late Sandem Nab and Paramount Chief of the Builsa Traditional Area.

Sandem Nab Dr Ayieta Azantilow, who died in 2006 at the age of 106, was one of the key figures in pre- and post- independence development of the Northern Regions and was key to the Northern territories joining the rest of the Gold Coast.

A statement issued in Accra said former President Rawlings, having worked with the Sandem Nab as head of state, stressed that it was obligatory to bid farewell to a man who was a true warrior and patriot. The former President also participated in the Kumu gu ka dai, which is a day set aside for traditional drumming, dancing and music.

Clad in full war regalia, former President Rawlings joined the traditional warriors to drum and dance in memory of the late King. The final funeral rites commenced on April 13 and will conclude on April 30.