Impending funeral stirs apprehension in Ho-Dome

Ho, July 20, GNA - Apprehension seemed to have taken over the atmosphere in Ho-Dome as preparations got underway towards the funeral of Christian Yao Anku of Ho Dome who was known as "Togbe Akpao II, Asafofiaga of Ho Dome."

The uncertain atmosphere seemed to have arisen from opposition from the chiefs and elders of Ho Asogli to giving the deceased a royal burial and funeral.

The chiefs and elders of Asogli who opposed to the planned royal burial and funeral have notified heads of security agencies in Ho that they would resist the performance of traditional funeral rites for the deceased.

The Chiefs and elders of Asogli said in a letter to the political and security heads in Ho that the said "Togbe Akpao II" who was once Asafofia of Ho Dome was customarily destooled in 1989 by all the Chiefs, Queens, Asafos, Elders and that they take "exception to diabolical plans and acts intended to offend the tradition and customs of Asogli."

The Chiefs and elders therefore demanded that all banners and posters, notices and announcements describing the deceased as "Togbe Akpao II Asafofiaga of Ho" be withdrawn.

A source close to the funeral Planning Committee told the GNA that as part of the rites only natives of Ho- Dome were permitted to wear red clothes or dress in Dome from now till the final funeral rites were performed.

The source said some strangers to the suburb who unknowingly defied the order were allegedly accosted but later released upon interventions from their families.

The usually busy night life in the suburb has been absent for some time now with only few people mostly men patrolling the streets.

The funeral has become the talk of the town though people were discreet in discussing the issue.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (David Nenyi Ampah-Bennin, the the Volta Regional Police Commander, said the Police were aware of all developments and were putting measures in place to maintain peace and order.

He said, "We are in control of every situation. Our men are on the ground so that the peace is not breached".