Faure Gnassingbe
President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, led a high powered government delegation from his country to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti Region, on Wednesday.
Mr Gnassingbe was at the palace ostensibly to join Asanteman, especially Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to mourn the death of late Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.
The Togolese leader, who was dressed in black suit to portray that he was in a mournful mood, arrived at the venue at exactly 2pm in the company of government officials.
Mr. Gnassinbge later consoled Otumfuo, who was sitting in state over the death of his biological mother, the Asantehemaa.
The Togolese leader, after paying homage to the Asantehene, left the funeral grounds amidst applause on the sixth day of the grand funeral for the departed queen mother, who died at the age of 111.
The Togolese President was also accompanied by National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, Simon Osei Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister and Osei Assibey Antwi, the Kumasi Mayor.
The main highlight for the day was the presentation of a big golden necklace to the Asantehene by Lady Julia, the wife of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Otumfuo was seen exchanging pleasantries with Lady Julia and some mourners that accompanied her to the venue.
Lady Julia also presented similar golden necklace to Nana Ama Konadu, the Asantehemaa.
Scores of prominent paramount chiefs across the country, including the Techimanhene, Oseadeayo, Akumfi Ameyaw, who was dressed in red cloth, was carried in a palanquin to the venue.
The Techimanhene from the Oyoko Clan was given the chance to commiserate with Otumfuo, who traditionally is his elder brother.
Some key political figures from the NDC, including John Asiedu Nketia, Julius Debrah, Betty Mould Iddrisu, Samuel Sarpong and Daniel Ohene Agyekum, were also there to console the occupant of the Golden Stool.
From I.F Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi