The Denkyira Traditional Council has set Sunday, April 11, to Saturday, April 17, 2021as dates for the performance of the funeral rites of the late Odeefo Boa-Amponsem III.
The 40-Day rites have already been performed for the Denkyirahene, who passed away in 2015 at age 92.
Briefing the press on the final funeral rites, the Chairman of the Funeral Committee, Nana Assiem Kwaakontan, Sanaahene of Denkyira of traditional Area said the funeral is open to the public but said there will be a strict adherence to the arrangements laid down by the Committee as dignitaries from across the nation will be present.
“Our departed King Odeefuo Boa-Amponsem ruled for sixty years, served as President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs for three terms. He became the Vice President for the National House of Chiefs and rose to become President of National House of Chiefs in 1999,” he said.
“He was a member of the Constitutional Draft Committee in 1969,1970 and 1992 and also a former Council of State member. He was honoured with the Order of the Volta, and so all Traditional rulers across the country, Ministers if State, Council of State Members, Members of Parliament, The President of the Republic, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice-President, H.E Dr.Alhaji Bawumia, among other dignitaries will all be present to mourn our great King.”
Nana Assiem Kwaakontan
advised residents and traders in the central business area of Dunkwa to close their shops from Saturday, April 10 to Tuesday, April 13, 2021 explaining that “there will be firing of musketry in the streets, the executioners will also be around to display, as Nananom bring home the King to be laid in state and mourned at the Amponsem Palace in Dunkwa-On-Offin.
On her part, the queen mother of the Denkyira Traditional Area, Nana Ama Ayensuaa Saarah (III) announced that same rites will be performed at Jukwa, in the Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District from Wednesday, April 14 to Saturday, April 17, 2021 and accordingly urged residents of the area to strictly abide by the directives.
“I will advice that all shops be closed and residents in Dunkwa and Jukwa are to strictly wear black clothes till the funeral arrangements end.” she stressed.
In connection with the funeral, a ban has been placed on all funerals and noise making effective, February 21, 2021.
Born on 11 November 1922, the late ruler became king in November 1955, unti his sad demise on 2nd December, 2015.
His 60-year reign makes him the oldest ruler in the history of Denkyiraman since 1500.