President Rawlings at Okyenhene's funeral

Kibi, (Eastern Region) 14th Aug 1999

President Jerry John Rawlings on Saturday attended the burial service for the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Kuntunkununku II at Kibi. The Okyenhene has been lying in state at the Ofori Panyinfie since Monday 10th August.

On arrival President Rawlings and Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings paid their last respects to the Okyenhene and signed the book of condolence.President Rawlings wrote, "He served his nation with diligence, Osagyefo Kuntunkununku the second, May you rest in peace."

After expressing condolence to the acting President of the Akim Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kena Ampaw and the Chiefs and Okyeman, the Tafohene, Barima Adusei Peasah IV led some chiefs to welcome the President and his entourage to the burial ceremony.

In a tribute, President Rawlings described the Okyenhene as one of the precious jewels of the chieftaincy institution.

He recalled the various contributions that the Okyenhene made to the chieftaincy institution and other areas in his social life, which the President described as remarkable and impressive and regretted that he did not live long enough to witness the fruits of his contribution.

President Rawlings, however, expressed the hope that the legacy of service and exemplary leadership of Osagyefo Kuntunkununku would be kept alive as a worthy tribute to his memory.

He recalled when Okyenhene rushed to the Kibi Government Hospital to take care of the sick during an industrial action by doctors.

President Rawlings prayed that God would give Okyenhene a permanent rest and commended the Okyeman Council for the orderly organisation of the funeral.

In a sermon, the Right Reverend Dr Sam Prempeh, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana commended the Okyenhene for knowing his God during his lifetime and urged the people to emulate him.

He said everyone would be accountable to God after life on this earth saying those, who live on earth without Jesus would stand in judgement alone.

Rt. Rev Prempeh condemned anti-social tendencies including armed robbery now prevalent in the country and asked Christians to help change such attitudes through their lifestyles.

An eight-man clergy, which officiated at the service included the Reverend Col. B. B. Sintim of Ghana Armed Forces, Rt. Reverend Dr Sam Asante-Antwi, President of the Methodist Conference, and the Very Rev Isaac Frempong, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church.

The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of the Province of West Africa was represented by Right Reverend Francis W. B. Thomson of Accra and the Very Reverend Samuel Gyibi Danquah, Provost of Koforidua Saint Peters Anglican Cathedral.