Rawlings, Kufuor commiserate with Droboman over demise of Omanhene

A high-powered delegation from the Drobo Traditional Council has called on former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor to announce the demise of the Omanhene of the area.

The visit was also to apprise them of the funeral arrangements for the deceased paramount chief.

The late Omanhene, Beyeeman Boseako Gyinantwi IV, also known as Major (Retd) Jonathan Asiedu-Taku, became a traditional ruler after he retired from the Ghana Armed Forces years ago.

He was 81 and passed away on January 27 this year after a short illness.

Delegation

The Omanhemaa of Drobo, Nana Yaa Ansua, led the delegation, which included Drobo Abakumahene, Nana Koranteng Agyari and the former Member of parliament (MP) for Jaman South and deputy Minister of Agriculture in the Kufuor administration, Ms Ama Nyamekye.

The Gyasehene of the Traditional area, Nana Amo Asuaman who briefed the former Presidents, said obsequies for the departed Omanhene would be organised from May 7 -14, 2018 at Drobo in the Brong Ahafo Region.

He explained that activities for the funeral celebration would include a series of customary observance which would culminate in a non-denominational burial service at the Krupiase Royal Palace on Sunday, May 13.

Nana Asuaman also hinted that the week-long activities would be crowned with the installation of a new Omanhene, who was chosen for the stool after the necessary rites were observed following the death of Nana Beyeeman Gyinantwi IV.

Respect

“Due to our respect for customs and traditions, we had no difficulty in passing on the baton to the right successor to the stool. The peace we have in our area is as a result of this,” Nana Asuaman asserted.

Former President Kufuor, in his remarks, eulogised the late Omanhene, saying his friendship with him spanned several decades.

He described him as a doyen of Ghanaian tradition and culture.

He explained that the former military officer was a man of great wisdom and character from whom he had received invaluable pieces of counsel before and during his tenure as President of the Republic of Ghana.

Mr Kufuor further acknowledged that Nana Boseako Gyinantwi IV evinced resourcefulness and tact both in his professional life as an army officer and as a traditional leader of one of the oldest towns in Ghana’s pre-colonial history.

Condolences

The former President expressed his condolences to the bereaved family, as well as the people of Drobo, assuring them of his support for the funeral.

“Given good health, I will definitely join you to bid farewell to my very good friend. He indeed was a great man whose funeral must be in keeping with his substance,” he said.

For his part, former President Rawlings reiterated the need to honour individuals who had been of service to the country.

He commended the leaders and their people for ensuring peace in the process of appointing a successor of the late chief.

He used the occasion to admonish traditional authorities in the country to emulate the progressiveness exhibited by the Drobo Traditional Council to help end chieftaincy disputes.

He made a cash donation to the delegation, urging Droboman not to lose hope in their time of bereavement.