Presby Church performs service to begin burial rites of Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III
The desire of the Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, for his funeral rites to be in line with his Presbyterian belief was given a practical meaning when the Presbyterian Church held a solemn grand service to officially kick-start the funeral for the departed chief.
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That belief followed the re-dedication of his life to Jesus Christ in February 2012, after which he took his first communion as a paramount chief.
At the grand service yesterday, all forms of noise-making that accompany the burial of a prominent chief were temporarily abated, allowing for an atmosphere of calm and reflection as the service went on.
Solemn service
The solemn occasion commenced when the organist started playing some emotion-evoking tunes prior to the start of the service that brought tears to the eyes of a good number of people.
Those who were affected in their attempt to hide their public display of emotion, dabbed their eyes with handkerchiefs as though the prevailing harmattan was the cause of their challenge.
The grand church service could not have taken place without a touch of tradition which was evident in the presentation of a dirge that was delivered in typical Akuapem fashion, throwing indigenes and others who understood the nature of the dirge into mourning.
'He believed in Jesus Christ'
The Chairperson of the Akropong Local Council of Churches, Reverend I. D. Asare, in an exhortation, said the deceased’s belief in Christ and acceptance of Christ ought to be a prime example for all his subjects.
Rev. Asare said Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III exhibited the qualities of a good Christian, which was evident in the way he brought unity, peace and development to the area in a selfless manner.
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After the exhortation, prayers were said for the peace of the area and for the smooth and non-acrimonious selection of a successor.
The Chief of Aburi and Adontenhene of Akuapem, Nana Kwasi Djan, said contrary to rumours that some obnoxious rituals had or were being performed in line with the burial of the late chief, nothing of that sort had been done and that the wishes of the late chief had been adhered to.
He announced that in view of the large number of people expected to attend the funeral of the late chief on Saturday, the body would be moved from the palace to the open field of the Presbyterian Training College.
He, therefore, urged all to be decorous and observe the established order that the funeral committee had put in place towards an orderly funeral for the late chief.
Writer’s email : victor.kwawukume@graphic.com.gh