Parliament pays tribute to Okuapehene

As akuapems and others morners mourn the departure of the Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, to join his ancestors, Parliament and people from all walks of life continue to pay tribute to the late chief.

While the people who thronged the historic town of Akropong continue to mourn the chief in calm and orderliness, the representatives of the people in Parliament described the late chief as a colossus who had served his people and the country in the fields of academia, public service and chieftaincy.

According to them, the late paramount chief was a unifier who had used his skills of diplomacy to unite the various groupings in his area.

That followed a tribute paid to the late chief on the floor of the House by the MP for Akuapem North, Mr William Ofori Boafo.

Akropong

On the second day since the late chief was laid in state for public viewing, the level of comportment by mourners qualifies to be described as phenomenal.

The calm composure of the people of the area, especially those who are said to be traditional fanatics, was legendary, looking at the indiscriminate firing of muskets that went on during the Odwira Festival of the people of the area recently.

Resting after a day’s toil

Information garnered from those who viewed the remains of the illustrious chief spoke of the image of an usually known gentleman taking a respite from a hard day’s toil.

Akuapem Community Foundation

The Akuapem Community Foundation, which is primarily committed to education and the development of the traditional area, yesterday paid their last respects to the late chief.

Aside from a donation of GH¢1,500 towards the funeral activities, the Founder of the foundation, Nana Oye Yeboaa, who is also the Dompiahene of Akuapem, described the late chief as an individual whose commitment was to ensure the betterment of life for all.

“Our chief has left behind useful lessons that we all should be reflecting on as we perform the various rites towards his final rest,” she said.

Evergreen memory

A good number of people who spoke to the Daily Graphic expressed the hope that the people of the traditional area would keep the positive achievements of Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa close to their hearts in ensuring that nothing untoward happened in the aftermath of his death.

In different interviews,  they said that would keep the area on the path of sustainable progress and also make memories of the late chief evergreen for successive generations.

Among the personalities who mourned the late chief was Mr Ivor Greenstreet, the presidential candidate of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) for the 2016 elections.

Parliament

In Parliament, Mr Boafo said Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa's excellent performance placed the Akuapem Traditional Area on the global map of chieftaincy, adding that “he was a credible source of reference for judges, lawyers, the clergy, senior lecturers, students and traditional rulers who wanted an insight into the institution of chieftaincy”.

"Today, Oseadeeyo can report with courage and candour to his uncles that Akuapem is still 'Akuw Apem', still a unitary state not divided," he said.

The MP for Subin, Mr Isaac Osei, described the late chief as affable, a good listener, writer, lecturer and leader who wanted practical solutions for his people.

"He was a great man and he served the citizens and the country for 41 years. He has played his role as a Ghanaian and traditional ruler," he said.

The MP for Abuakwa South, Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, said Oseadeeyo used the institution of chieftaincy to bring about development to his people.

The MP for Akuapem South, Mr O. B. Amoah, said Oseadeeyo lived an illustrious life worth emulating.

The MP for Banda, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, lauded Oseadeeyo for exhibiting credible leadership skills, which had ensured peace during his 41-year reign.