The late Daasebre Osei Bonsu II
THE MORTAL remains of the late Asante Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, will be buried at the royal mausoleum at Mampong tonight.
Prior to the burial, the body was laid in state for three continuous days for thousands of mourners from various backgrounds to pay their last respects to him.
Otumfuo’s Visit
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is expected to visit Mampong today to officially bid farewell to the deceased traditional leader.
Reports from the Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asante Kingdom, indicate that some traditional rites would be performed during Otumfuo’s visit ahead of the burial.
According to reports, per the programme for the funeral rites (Dote Yie), President John Mahama will also lead government delegation to pay their respects to the late chief today.
Bawumia’s Visit
Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accompanied by key members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), visited Mampong on Sunday to pay their respects to the late chief.
Earlier on Saturday, Kennedy Agyapong, the former Assin Central Member of Parliament, who contested the NPP presidential race and lost, also visited Mampong to mourn the deceased chief.
Thousands Paid Respects
Meanwhile, scores of mourners, including chiefs, businessmen, the clergy, natives of Mampong and government officials, have paid their respects to the late chief.
The body was laid in state from Saturday, Sunday to Monday, for mourners to file past and bid farewell to the late chief, who was widely respected in the country.
The Asante Mamponghemaa, Nana Agyakoma Difie, with support from other queen mothers in Asanteman and beyond, has been receiving the mourners.
Rich Asante Culture
The three-day funeral rites has been characterised by the firing of musketry, drumming and dancing, and wailing by the mourners, especially the widow.
The rich traditions of the Asante Kingdom has also been on display, as part of preparations of giving a befitting burial to the late Mampong chief.
Mamponghene’s Reign
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, who died at age 86, reigned for almost three decades, and played significant roles to transform Asanteman and Ghana.
He also played an instrumental role to transform the chieftaincy institution in the country, as he was a key member of the National House of Chiefs for many years.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah, Kumasi