Select New Tema Mantse Peacefully – Akufo-Addo To Traditional Council
President Akufo-Addo has appealed to the chiefs and elders of the Tema traditional area to ensure that they carry out the process of choosing a replacement for the late Paramount Chief and president of the Tema Traditional Council, Dr Osɔnŋaa Nii Adjei Kraku II, in a peaceful manner.
Addressing a delegation of traditional rulers and elders of Tema, at the Jubilee House when they paid a courtesy call to inform him formally about the death of the Tema Mantse, President Akufo-Addo said the elders of Tema must ensure that not only does the late chief get a befitting funeral, but that the procedures for choosing his successor will be one that will be without acrimony.
“That is the best tribute that can be paid to his memory, that after he had gone, Tema went about the customary processes of finding his successor in a united manner and that it did not give rise to any controversy” the President said.
“Too often, replacement of chiefs become issues in our country, issues that we can do without because invariably, they also involve security matters” Akufo-Addo added.
Death of Tema Mantse
In his statement on behalf of the delegation, Nii Amarh Somponu II, Shippi and Stool secretary, said Nii Adjei Kraku II, was enstooled in December 1992 and since September 2016, he battled with ill health.
“On 23 February 2020, just three days into his 70th birthday, Nii Adjei Kraku kick the bucket,” Nii Amarh Somponu II said.
“Plans are far advanced to perform his final funeral rites and we deem it necessary and respectful to first of all, announce to his excellency before we go public” he added.
The delegation
The delegation was led by Nii Adjetey Agbo II, Mankralo and acting President of the Tema Traditional Council.
The delegation included Nii Amarh Somponu II, Shippi and Stool Secretary, Nii Tetteh Tsuru Orkoor III, Akwashongtse, Nii Amarh Akitikpo II, Otsaame, and Nii Annag Adzor, Ashaiman Regent.
The rest are Joseph Ashitey Larteh, Stool Elder
Hon. Ashong Narh, Stool elder and chair of funeral planning committee, Adzete-Din Asafoatse
and Jeffrey N.A. Lomo,Registrar of the Council.
Wilberforce Asare