Kufuor informed of the death of the Kumawuhene

Accra, Oct. 16, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday conveyed his condolences to the chiefs and people of Kumawu Traditional Area for the death of the Omanhene, Barima Asumadu-Sakyi. He also counselled the Kingmakers to ensure that the choice of his successor should be done in strict accordance with custom so as to preserve the peace of the area.

"The late Omanhene vigorously pushed for development and you must resolve to continue from where he left off," President Kufuor said, when a delegation of Chiefs from the traditional area called at the Castle, Osu, to officially inform him of the death of Barima Sakyi. Barima Abayie Ntori-Nimpa, Omahene of Kwamang and Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, Omanhene of Agogo, who are traditionally brothers to the Kumawuhene, were included in the delegation.

President Kufuor, said he had good personal relations with the late Chief and asked the people to unite to give him a fitting burial. Barima Ntori-Nimpa, the Spokesperson of the delegation, announced that the body of Barima Sakyi would lie in state from Tuesday October 29 to Thursday, October 31 in Kumawu. The late Chief died on July 11, 2007 at the age of 66. He reigned for 34 years.

President Kufuor had earlier granted audience to the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AngloGold Ashanti, Mr Mark Cutifani. The CEO is just one month into the job. President Kufuor said it was his expectation that the partnership between Ghana and the mining giant would be further strengthened under his leadership. 16 Oct. 2007

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