Thousands of mourners gathered on Saturday 30th April, 2022 in Jukwa, the Traditional Capital of the Denkyira’s for the state state burial of Odeefuo Boa Amponsah III, the 25th King of the Great Denkyira Kingdom who died in 2015
They wailed and sang dirges as they lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the funeral procession to wish the king ”a peaceful journey home”
Odeefuo Boa Amponsah III’s body had lain in state at the royal palace in Dunkwa-on-Offin and Jukwa from 24th April to 30th April as tradition demands, it was forbidden to take photographs of his body.
Odeefuo Boa Amponsah III was given a state burial “in recognition of his invaluable services to the nation and chieftaincy.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo accompanied by the Minister of Trade and Industries, Mr. Alan Kojo Kyeremanten, the Central Regional Minister, Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Mr. Kennedy Agyapong among others attended Odeefuo Boa Amponsah’s journey home
The president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and his entourage who graced the occasion donated an amount of fifty thousand Ghana Cedis as well as both soft and alcoholic drinks and some cartons of water to support the burial ceremony.
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Traditional leaders who graced the occasion also brought into display traditional dance such as ‘atumpan’, ‘Kete’, ‘Bomaa’ among others and were nicely clad in war cloth.
Odeefuo Boa Amponsah III
The late Odeefuo Boa Amponsah III, who in private life went by the name John Kwame Amofa Appiah, was a family man who desired to lead his people and promote the tradition of Denkyira and contribute to the development of Ghana.
During his 60-year reign, the King, was the spiritual and cultural leader of his people, and his power extended into every-day life. He ruled on land disputes, and judges whom he appointed settle civil suits. The King was very much a somebody, and was expert in drawing allusions as required.
The King was born into the royal family in Jukwa, attended a Roman Catholic school, and later trained as a railway engineer. In 1955 he left the country for the United States of Ameria, where he studied Public Administration. In 1957 he returned after his diploma to assume his duty as Denkyirahene in independent Ghana.
From 1995 to 1999, he was the president of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Vice President, National House of Chiefs, President, National House of Chiefs and a Member of the Council of State. He was a patriarch who never discriminated and his kindness knew no bounds. He was survived by 60 children with 5 predeceasing him.
Photo Gallery of the Funeral
SOURCE: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
