Baffour Akoto laid to rest
A STATE burial service was yesterday held for Baafour Osei-Akoto, Senior Linguist of the Asantehene and an astute politician at the St Peters Cathedral Church, Kumasi.
Among the dignitaries who attended the solemn service were President J.A Kufuor, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu, Ministers of State, members of the Council of State, diplomats, politicians and chiefs.
Former President J.J Rawlings and former ministers of state were also present at the service, which was officiated by a team of clergymen led by the Most Rev. Dr Peter Akwasi Sarpong, Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi.
In a tribute read on his behalf, President Kufuor described the late Baafuor Osei Akoto as courageous, full of wisdom and a believer in the principle of liberal democracy, which is the under-pinning philosophy of the New Patriotic Party.
He said Baafuor Osei Akoto was a political strategist, who upheld individual liberties and freedoms.
He said the biggest tribute that can be paid to the memory of the late Baafuor Osei Akoto is to develop the country's economy and ensure the success of liberal democracy. In a tribute, also read on his behalf, the Asantehene said Baafuor Osei Akoto was a faithful servant of Asanteman, whose wise counsel and courage will be remembered for a very long time.
Earlier in his sermon, Archbishop Akwasi Sarpong said Baafuor Osei Akoto was frank, sensitive to the plight of others and never discriminated on account of ones culture. After the service, the casket, which contained the mortal remains of Baafuor Osei Akoto, was carried by eight soldiers from the chapel to the forecourt of the Cathedral.
Thirteen soldiers gave a 20 gun salute in honour of Baafuor Osei Akoto and thereafter, the last post was sounded; a two minute silence was observed and a prayer was said by Most Rev. Sarpong to commit the soul of the late linguist to the hands of the Almighty God. President Kufuor laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ghana while the Asantehene laid a wreath on behalf of the chiefs and people of Asanteman.
The mortal remains of the late linguist were interred at the Royal Mausoleum at Hemang-Kwabre last night. Earlier President Kufuor and his wife, Theresa, today joined thousands of mourners to pay their last respects to Baafour Osei Akoto.
Baafour Osei Akoto, who died on September 3, this year, at the ripe age of 98, was accorded the state burial for his contribution to multi-party democracy and national development.
The Asantehene, the Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem and a host of Paramount Chiefs from Asanteman and other parts of the country were among thousands of mourners who kept vigil at the stool house of the late linguist at Ashanti New Town, where the body was laid in state.
Former President Rawlings, accompanied by his aide, Mr Victor Smith and two former ministers, Mr D.S. Boateng and Mr Victor Gbeho also paid their last respects to the late chief linguist.
Baafour Osei Akoto was a founding member of the National Liberation Movement, which agitated for a federal system of government for the country during the struggle for independence.
The final funeral rites would be held at the Jackson's Park at Asem in Kumasi on Saturday. He left behind 31 children, 158 grandchildren and 220 great grandchildren.