<<Print>>

THE AKUAPEM Traditional Council has opened book of condolence for the late Paramount Chief , Oseedeyo Addo Dankwah III.

The decision follows the official traditional announcement of the demise of the Paramount Chief which occurred on Tuesday at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

The Gyaasehene of Akuapem Traditional Area, Nana Osim Kwatia who is the customarily caretaker chief, made the announcement on Monday at the chief’s palace at Akropong Akuapem.

He said, "The paramount chief was taken ill to the hospital but did not returned."

The traditional council was, however, unhappy with the publication about the demise of the paramount chief in the media, which according to them was disrespectful to the traditions and customs of the traditional council.

According to the council, the media did not seek clarification and confirmation from the traditional council.

The traditional council has tasked the Kingmakers to peacefully elect a successor to the stool for enstoolment before burial and funeral service are held for the late chief.

The five divisions in Akuapem Traditional Council are Kronti, Adonteng, Gyaase, Nifa and Benkum were represented by their divisional chiefs, Osabarima Offei Kwasi Agyeman, Otubour Gyan Kwasi, Nana Osim Kwatia III, Nenye Otutu Kono III and Enyine Osabarima Asiedu Okoo II respectively.

In a statement released subsequently by the traditional council, it stated that, "on behalf of the Akuapem traditional council, the Okonam council, Abusuapanyin, elders and family members of the Ama Ogyaa, Nketia and Sakyebeah families of Akuapem Akropong, we regret to announce the home call of the Oseadeyo Addo Dankwah III, Okuapehene and president of the Akuapem Traditional Council, He was 85.”

The statement also appealed to the media to respect the sanctity of the traditional council.

"Distinguish members of the media, on this customarily solemn, but traditionally challenging period of the Okuapeman, we wish to crave your indulgence and that of the general public at large to become partners of Okuapeman. We pray you respect the sanctity, privacy and traditionally sensitivity nature of this moment of grief of Okuapeman, with the passing of our great leader and co-operate in all matters."

The traditional council also wants the media and the general public to strictly follow confidential issues in connection with the demise of the overload.

The traditional council has assured that the process to plan and put together elaborate final funeral rites for the late Oseadeyo shall be communicated soon.

Oseadeyo Addo Dankwa III is the longest serving Okuapehene. He was installed as paramount chief of the Akuapem traditional area in August 1974.