Ga Manste's funeral not November 26

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - Squadron Leader George Tagoe (Rtd), Coordinator of the Ga Royal Stool, on Wednesday criticised the Ga Traditional Council and some Gas for their decisions and actions in programme for the funeral of Ga Manste Boni Nii Amugi II, and said November 26 was not the day for the funeral as previously announced. He said the date for the funeral would be announced after necessary consultations, while every effort was being made to expedite all preparations pertaining to the funeral.

Sdn Ldr. Tagoe said this at a press briefing organized by the Amugi Royal Family and the kingmakers of the Ga Paramount Stool to clarify irregularities that had taken place since the announcement of the King's death.

He explained that by the Ga custom, tradition and usage, the performance of a funeral of a deceased person was the right and sole prerogative of the deceased person's family and any role by any other person was deemed to be supportive. However, Sdn. Ldr. Tagoe said, the Ga Traditional Council and a few eminent Ga citizens had arrogated to themselves the power to do things without prior consultations with the Amugi family and the kingmakers. "The Ga Traditional Council and those eminent Gas are bent on leaving out the family of the late Ga Manste and the kingmakers," he added.

Among some of the decisions that the Traditional Council had taken without consultations, Sdn. Ldr. Tagoe said, was the termination of the signing of the book of condolence, notwithstanding the public desire to register their condolences was taken without their consent.

The sideling of family members and kingmakers from sitting in council meetings, announcement of the date of burial to the President and opening of a bank account for the funeral were all done without prior consultation and consent of the family and the king makers. "Neither the Ga Traditional council nor those eminent Ga citizens have the right and authority to plan and decide the funeral of our late king....Therefore any further action and decisions without prior consent will be resisted vehemently and redress sought at the appropriate forum," he added.

Sdn. Ldr. Tagoe also expressed discontent about the sale of memorabilia by certain individuals and institutions, saying this was an affront to the dignity of the family.

"We warn such commercially minded persons and institutions to stop forthwith or face the consequences."

The coordinator of the royal stool said an appointed funeral committee would at the appropriate time advertise the approved memorabilia for public patronage.