Rawlings, Kufuor commiserate with Droboman over demise of chief

A delegation from the Drobo Traditional Council on Tuesday called on former Presidents, Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor to announce the demise of the Omanhene of the Area and apprise them of funeral arrangements for the deceased chieftain.

The late Omanhene, Beyeeman Boseako Gyinantwi IV, also known as Major (Rtd) Jonathan Asiedu-Taku became a traditional ruler after he retired from the Ghana Armed Forces years ago.

The ex-serviceman who was 81 passed away on January 27 this year after a short illness.

Omanhemaa of Drobo, Nana Yaa Ansua led the delegation which included Nana Koranteng Agyari, Drobo Abakumahene and Anna Nyamekye, former MP for Jaman South and Deputy Minister of Agric in the erstwhile Kufuor administration.

Nana Amo Asuaman, Gyasehene of the traditional Area who briefed the former President said obsequies for the departed Omanhene would be organised from May 7-14, 2018 at Drobo in the Brong-Ahafo region.

He explained that activities for the funeral celebration would include a series of customary observances which would culminate in a non-denominational burial service at the Krupiase Royal Palace on Sunday, May 13.

Nana Asuaman also hinted that the weeklong activities would be crowned with the installation of a new Omanhene who was chosen for the stool after the necessary rites were observed following the death of Nana Beyeeman Gyinantwi IV.

“Due to our respect for customs and traditions, we had no difficulty in passing on the baton to the right successor to the stool. The peace we have in our Area is as a result of this”, Nana Asuaman asserted.



Former President Kufuor in his remarks, eulogized the late Omanhene, saying his friendship with him spanned several decades. He described him as a doyen of Ghanaian tradition and culture.

He said the former military officer was a man of great wisdom and character, from whom he had received invaluable pieces of counsel before and during his tenure as President of the Republic of Ghana.

Mr Kufuor further acknowledged that Nana Boseako Gyinantwi IV evinced resourcefulness and tact both in his professional life as an army officer and as a traditional leader of one of the oldest towns in Ghana’s pre-colonial history.

The former President who turns 80 in December this year expressed his condolences to the bereaved family as well as the people of Drobo, assuring them of his support for the funeral.

“Given good health, I will definitely join you to bid farewell to my very good friend. He indeed was a great man whose funeral must be in keeping with his substance”, he said.

For his part, former President Jerry Rawlings reiterated the need to honour individuals who have been of service to the country.

He commended the leaders and their people for ensuring peace in the process of appointing a successor of the late Chief.

He used the occasion to admonish traditional authorities in the country to emulate the progressiveness exhibited by the Drobo Traditional Council to help end chieftaincy disputes.

He made a cash donation to the delegation, urging Droboman not to lose hope in their time of bereavement.