Gbi State declares state of mourning following death of Paramount Chief

Residents of Hohoe in the Volta Region are to be clad in red and black for a week following the declaration of a state of mourning in the Gbi State.

The Gbi Traditional State made the declaration because of the death of its Paramount Chief, Togbega Gabusu VI.

Togbega Gabusu VI, known in private life as Mr Eli Billy Bright Kormla Kumadie, passed away after a few months of sickness.

At a gathering for the traditional announcement of his passing, Chief of Wegbe, Togbe Keh XII, on behalf of the Gbi Traditional Council announced that the state of mourning would be observed from the 18th to 25th January, 2020 and that funeral arrangements would be communicated at a later date.

The council also directed all flags in Gbi-Dzigbe (Hohoe) to fly at half mast.

Residents have also advised to go about their daily activities with sobriety.

The council earlier declared a ban on noise making and disturbances in the traditional area from Friday, January 10, to Saturday, January 18, 2020 to perform an important custom.

The occasion, which saw Deiga Kwadwo Dei XII of Peki and other government functionaries in attendance, was also used to introduce the Divisional Chief of Gbi-Kpeme, Togbe Wode IV, as the Acting President of the Gbi Traditional Council until a new paramount chief is enstooled.

During his 29-year reign, Togbega Gabusu VI held various positions including serving as the Vice President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and a member of the National House of Chiefs.

He also served on a number of boards of institutions in Ghana.

A book of Condolence has in the meantime been opened to the general public at the Gbi Traditional Council.

The Gbi Traditional Area is made up of Peki and Hohoe.

In a statement by the festival planning committee, the chairman called for support from benevolent individuals and organisations.