Nana Akufo-Addo. INSET: Nana Akwasi Agyeman
PRESIDENT NANA Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday led a powerful government delegation to commiserate with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, over the death of Nana Akwasi Agyeman.
Nicknamed as ‘Okumkom’, the deceased is a proud member of the royal Oyoko family of the Asante Kingdom. He died at the age of 86.
Okumkom is also the longest-serving KMA boss.
The one-week observance of Okumkom held at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi was attended by scores of mourners, including President Akufo-Addo.
Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and other government officials including Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, aka Napo (whose constituency hosted the event), other MPs and NPP executives were present.
The Chief of Staff, Frema Opare; Deputy Chief of Staff, Asenso Boakye; Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah; Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, aka ‘Wontumi’, and other party gurus were present.
The solemn event also attracted NDC members comprising Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, Samuel Sarpong, Kojo Bonsu, Alexander Ackon, Andy Okrah, Ofori Agyeman Boadi, among others.
Business mogul and a brother of former President John Dramani Mahama, Ibrahim Mahama, was also accompanied by scores of mourners to commiserate with the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool.
Top security officials in the country, including COP Kofi Boakye, a former Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Ghana Bar Association (GBA) members, the clergy and businessmen were in attendance.
Prominent traditional leaders in Asanteman, who swear allegiance to the Golden Stool and a powerful delegation from the KMA, who were led by the present KMA boss, Osei Assibey-Antwi, were there.
The occasion was characterised by singing of dirges backed by traditional Ashanti drums. Some of the mourners, especially the women, were seen shedding uncontrollable tears.
The highlight of the programme was when President Akufo-Addo proceeded to where Otumfuo was seated and on behalf of Ghanaians, consoled the Asantehene, who looked very sad.
Okumkom was survived by prominent individuals including Dr. Agyeman, Medical Doctor at KATH, Ing Nana Poku Agyeman, Kumasi Metro Roads Director, Nana Prempeh, a top businessman, among others.
The date for the burial and final funeral rites of Okumkom would be announced by the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asantehene, at a later date.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi