Presidency Mourns At Manhyia

The Presidency, including all the big toes at the Jubilee House were temporarily moved from Accra, to the Manhyia Palace, in Kumasi, on Monday afternoon.

Virtually all those that matter most in the government, including President Nana Akufo-Addo and his vice, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, were at the famous palace.

The occasion was the one-week celebration of Nana Akwasi Agyeman, nicknamed as ‘Okumkom’, a prominent royal from the Oyoko family in Asanteman.

The solemn event was supervised by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was dressed in mourning cloth as he sat in state to receive mourners.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, who knows how Okumkom’s death has deeply affected Otumfuo and Asanteman, visited the palace with his top officials.

Accompanying the president to the one-week celebration were the Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare and Francis Asenso Boakye, Deputy Chief of Staff.

Also top government appointees such as the Education Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh aka ‘Napo’, who is also the MP for Manhyia South, was there.

The Minster of Agric, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyeremanten and Madam Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa, graced the event.

Some Council of State members, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of some state institutions were there.

President Nana Akufo-Addo and his delegation, in turns, shook hands with the Asantehene, who was surrounded by some elders and servants as he sat in state.

The largest opposition political party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was also ably represented at the mammoth one-week celebrations of Okumkom.

The NDC delegation consisted of Asiedu Nketiah, Kojo Bonsu, ex-Kumasi Mayor, Alexander Ackon, ex-Ashanti Regional Minister and other top members of the party.

Okumkom, the longest serving KMA chief Executive died at age 86 few days ago after succumbing to a short illness. His untimely demise came as big blow to many.

The Asantehene’s office is expected to announce the date for the burial and final funeral rites of Okumkom in the coming days, The New Publisher was told.