Accra (Greater Accra) 30th Sept '99 - A delegation of elders from Dzelukope, the hometwon of President Rawlings, near Keta on Thursday called on the President at the Castle, Osu, and formally informed him of the death of their chief, Torgbui Sokpui III.

Mr Marcellus Selormey, leader of the delegation, told the President that Togbui Sokpui died on 6th July and would be buried in the second week of December.

President Rawlings said Togbui conducted himself well and was a man from whom ''we learnt a great deal. We are proud of him because he stood for the truth and spoke the truth at all times''.

Mr Selormey described him as "a man of many parts, who saw action in World War Two, was a customs officer, rose to the rank of Superitendent in the Police Service and as a chief, ruled for more than 40 years.

He expressed the hope that the elders in choosing a successor, would look for a man, who would measure up to the high standards set by Togbui Sokpui.

Mr Nathan Quao, a Special Adviser to the President, who served at Dzelukope as the first Headmaster of Keta Secondary School, said Togbui Sokpui occupied the stool with dignity and attributed the success of his reign to the experience he acquired in public service.

''He occupied the stool with dignity and served his people loyally. It is our hope that his successor will emulate him''.

Mr Alex Ashiagbor, a former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, said the late chief's disciplined background enabled him to establish peace and tranquillity in his area. ''There were no chieftaincy disputes during his long reign''.