Trouble Brews Over Ga Mantse's Funeral

THE burial of Ga Mantse Nii Amugi II, slated for January 27, could be put in limbo as the Ga Royal Stool (Dzase) which is mandated by custom to oversee the burial, is reportedly complaining that they have not been consulted about the funeral arrangements.

The leadership of the Dzase have allegedly expressed dissatisfaction with the plans, saying they have been sidelined.


At an emergency meeting yesterday, following the publication of the date of the late King’s burial in a section of the media and the subsequent call on the President by the Ga Traditional Council to officially announce the burial programme, the Dzase elders said it is not right for the Amugi We, family of the late Ga Mantse and the Ga Traditional Council to determine the date without their knowledge.


A statement issued after the emergency meeting said the duty of burying Ga Mantse for the Ga State "is the sole right and privilege of the Ga Royal Dzase" and not the family or the traditional council. "We wish to inform the Ga manbii (people), the Ga elders and the representatives of the various Ga traditional houses that in accordance with Ga customs, Ga Mantsemei (chiefs), families and authorities do not bury Ga Mantse for the Ga State. This duty is the sole right and privilege of the Ga royal stool (Dzase) from time immemorial."


The statement, signed by the Ga Royal Stool Dzasetse, Nii Tetteh Kwei II, the Dzase Secretary, Emmanuel Tackie, and the Dzase Co-ordinator, Squadron Leader (rtd) George Tagoe said "presently the position of the Ga Traditional Council in the affairs of the Ga State and the subsequent unplanned burial of the late Ga Mantse, is very disappointing."

It reminded the traditional council, Amugi We and all stakeholders of the various injunctions pending against the Yartey Gate of Amugi We, following the alleged illegitimate installation of a new Ga Mantse, adding that the intended burial will amount to contempt of court, if carried out.


The statement said the Dzase by customary practice has the sole right and authority to nominate and enstool a Dzase or Ga Mantse whenever the respective stools fall vacant, as well as oversee the burial when the occupants die.


Last year, Dr Jo Blankson was last year installed as the Ga Mantse under the stool name King Tackie Tawiah III, by one of the royal houses, Nii Akropong We, but his installation was challenged by the other three royal houses which claimed that it was not legitimate.


Nii Amugi died in December 2004 at the age of 65 after reigning for 39 years.