President John Dramani Mahama was among the large crowd of mourners and sympathisers who converged on the Amaniampong Silver Stool Palace in Asante Mampong to pay their final respects, to the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, on the concluding day of the three-day customary burial rites.President Mahama was accom­panied by several ministers of state, including the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, and was led by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene.His entourage also included the National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and the General Secretary, Fiifi Kwetey.Among other distinguished mourners paying homage to the late Omanhene on the third day were former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as well as former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and her son, Kimathi.The Acting Chief Justice, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, led a delegation from the Judicial Service, while par­amount chiefs and their delegations from various parts of the country attended alongside members of the clergy and other prominent individuals.The entry of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, sent the crowd into a frenzy.

The scene was spectacular as his arrival was char­acterised by an elaborate cultural display, with the king carried in a traditional palanquin.His presence climaxed the royal burial rites, which featured traditional and cultural activities, processions, and rituals showcasing rich Ashanti traditions.The air resonated with the powerful beats of the Fontom­from drums, accompanied by the Atumpan (talking drums), creating an electric atmosphere of awe and reverence.The drums communicated messages and proverbs, adding pro­found depth to the ceremony.The event also showcased the beautiful Adowa dance, performed by women who expressed emotions and told stories through elegant gestures.

The dance, accompanied by drumming and singing, created a captivating spectacle for all present.President Mahama made a cash donation of GH¢250,000, while immediate past President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is an in-law of the Mampong Bretuo family having married his first wife from that lineage, donated GH¢200,000. FROM KINGSLEY E.

HOPE, MAMPONG