Kumasi Buries Okumkom Today

All roads in Kumasi will today Monday, February 24, lead to the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for the burial and funeral rites of former Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Nana Akwasi Agyemang, mostly knows as ‘Okumkom’.

‘Okumkom’, would be laid in state at the Asantehemaa’s Palace for mourners to show their last respects.

He suffered a slight illness and was admitted at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, few months ago. When it appeared that he was eventually recuperating, the 86-year-old ex-Kumasi Mayor, rather kicked the bucket.

Okumkom is a member of the Oyoko Royal Family of Asanteman and therefore as customs demand, he would be given a befitting burial and funeral.

The burial ceremony would be held at the Royal Mausoleum in Breman to night with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in attendance.

Sources close to the Asante Royal Family have disclosed that Okumkom’s final funeral rites would take place at the forecourt of the Manhyia Palace on Thursday.

Okumkom is the longest serving KMA boss and during his tenure Kumasi experienced massive transformation. He also served the nation in other capacities.

The late Nana Akwasi Agyemang has a long political history, dating back to 1977, during the Supreme Military Council government of late Ignatius Kutu Acheampong where he served as chairman of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

He subsequently went on to serve as Mayor under two other Heads of State, Dr. Hilla Limann and Flt. Lt Jerry John Rawlings, to whom he became a close confidante.

He was appointed Deputy Minister of Science and Environment under Rawlings’ regime and was also considered a leading contender for the vacant Asante Stool following the demise of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II in 1999.

Current Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was chosen over him by the kingmakers of Asanteman.