Atukpai Mantse organizes remembrance rite for the departed

Accra, Oct. 24, GNA - Atukpai, a rulership area in the Ga Mashi State in Accra, on Saturday performed special rite to finally send home their departed ancestors on a peaceful journey to the ancestral world. The final remembrance rite, traditionally known in the Ga language as "Faa Foo", is to lay to rest the souls of all departed chiefs, queens, wulomei, Asafoatsemei, Asafoanyemei and all other stool elders led by Nii Boi Tono, Naa Borkai and Nii Tetteh Tsuru I. Nii Tetteh Tsuru II, Atukpai Mantse and Gbese Mankralo in an address read for him, called for unity among all families and people of his State to help to promote development.

He said it was important that people recognised and respected each other's gift as special endowment from God for the benefit of the entire society.

Nii Tsuru II likened the people of Atukpai to a tree with numerous branches, but which works together for a common purpose. He said since the founders of the State pledged to stick together even in death when they journeyed towards the present location, it was very important that such legacy was uphold by all their descendants. The ceremony was characterized by a colorful display of traditional moaning outfits and various cultural displays amidst gunshot salutations from the Osu Alata Asafo Company.

Nii Tsuru II laid a wreath on behalf of all chiefs in remembrance of the departed chiefs, while Naa Dede Odame I, Otukpai Manye, also laid one on behalf of all queen mothers in remembrance of the departed queen mothers.

Wreaths were also laid in remembrance of all departed Dzase, elders, Asafoatemei and Asafoanyemei, and other sons and daughters of the Atukpai State. History has it that the rulership of the Atukpai, which was created by the kingmakers of the Ga Mashi State, has been in existence since the 18th century with Nii Tetteh I as the first chief of its Afiyie Lee Stool.

It said though many chiefs had led the people since Nii Tetteh Tsuru I and performed creditably making a name for themselves both within Atukpai and the Ga State in general, unfortunately the leadership has never organized a befitting funeral or memorial gathering in their honor.

This has been a great source of worry to the leadership and people of the Atukpai State.