President John Dramani Mahama has assured the people of Okuapeman in the Eastern Region of the government's support in their choice of a deserving successor to their late Paramount Chief, Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III.
He said the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs and the President’s administration was ready to stand by them in their trying moment.
The Minister of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Dr Henry Seidu Daanaa, who spoke on behalf of the President, said the President regarded the late Paramount Chief as "a great chief, a statesman and a servant of peace and unity.
The choice of his successor should, therefore, be everybody's business in order to maintain the existing harmony in the area".
Dr Daanaa was speaking at a durbar of the chiefs and people of Okuapeman to receive homage and condolences from sympathisers and well-wishers over the demise of their great chief at Akropong.
The occasion also formed part of activities marking this year's Odwira festival of the people. The President described the death of Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III as sad, and added that the nation was in grief over the loss of a brave man.
The usual drumming, dancing and firing of muskets that characterise the Odwira festival was missing as the people were mourning.
No live ammunition
The Eastern Regional Minister, Antwi-Boasiako Sekyere, reminded the people of a directive which was given by the Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa before his demise baning the firing of live ammunition at social gatherings.
He entreated the people to value the peace being enjoyed in the area and do all in their power to protect it. A torrential rainfall, however, disrupted and delayed the durbar which was scheduled to be held at the forecourt of the palace.
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