Former President John Dramani Mahama over the weekend joined hundreds of sympathizers to mourn with the Chiefs and Elders of Fodzoku Traditional Council at Fodzoku during the final funeral rites of late Togbega Afum Asare III.
The final funeral rites was held at Fodzoku, a community near Juapong in the North Tongu District of Volta Region.
The late Togbega Afum Asare III who was installed the Paramount Chief of the Fodzoku Traditional Area in 1945, passed on January 1, 2019, at the VRA Hospital in Akosombo after a short illness.
He died at age 95 following his 73-year reign, become the longest serving Paramount Chief of the Fodzoku Traditional Council.
Mr. Mahama in his tribute eulogized him for being a kind hearted person to his people and the country, particularly his contribution towards the construction of the Kpong Hydroelectric Project at Akuse.
“The late Togbegah is recognised for his decision to release 34,000 acres of land to the Volta River Authority (VRA) for the construction of the Kpong Hydroelectric Project at Akuse. May his soul rest in peace,” the former President said.
John Dramani Mahama was joined by a high-powered delegation from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The final funeral rites which was scheduled for one week beginning Monday, April 4 to Sunday, April 10, 2022 were observed with some activities.
Below is the details of activities that were held in his honour:
Monday, April 4th, 2022
Pouring of libation, firing of musketry and cultural performance by Asafo group, sounding of the Atumpani drums and appellations to announce the commencement of the funeral rites
Asafo and Atrikpui and Gblorvu fofo
Dzotinudordor and performance of traditional rites till daybreak
Tuesday, April 5th, 2022
Sounding of Atumpani drums and Asafoworwor continues
Firing of musketry and cultural performances
Wake-keeping by the Christian community in Fodzoku
Cultural performances continue
Wednesday, April 6th, 2022
Avihe through the principal streets of Fodzoku community by women and Asafo group
Sounding of Atumpani drums and Asafoworwor
Atrikpui by Avedotoe Asafo Group
Cultural performances
Thursday, April 7th, 2022
Sounding of Atumpani drums
Asafo and other cultural performances
Receiving Togbega back home amidst Asafo performances
Wake-keeping
Friday, April 8th, 2022
Atumpani drums and Asafo performances
Atrikpui drumming gorup- Togbe Samlafo
Agbikor drumming group- Togbe Kumi
Agbo drumming group -Togbe Banahene
Saturday, April 9th, 2022
Burial Service
Cultural performances by cultural goups (Dadome , D.A. School, Aforkpakope and R.C. School),
Atumpani, Asafo and Atrikpui continues.
Reception at the E.P. School park
Private Royal Interment
Sunday, 10th April, 2022
Thanksgiving service at the E.P. School Park.
Final funeral rites and cultural performances
Ancestral cross over and family gathering.
