President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday joined hundreds of mourners to pay their last respects to the departed Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Omaedru III.
The elaborate ceremony held at Ga Mantse Palace near Dans Bar in North Kaneshie was attended by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the Second Lady, Mrs Samira Bawumia, members of the government and parliament, political party representatives, and traditional rulers from across the country, the clergy and members of the diplomatic corps.
In addition, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, former speaker of parliament, Mr Henry Quartey, Greater Accra Regional Minister and Titus Glover among others represented the New Patriotic Party and also made a donation to support the funeral.
The delegation of the National Democratic Congress was led by Professor Joshua Alabi, Dr Okoe Vanderpuije, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South; Nii Lante Vandapuije, Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, and Ms Barbara Asamoah.
In a show of respect and as part of tradition, the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) announced a three-day mourning for her starting from last Thursday.
On display was rich Ga tradition and custom, with the various Asafo companies (Warriors) of the Ga State taking the centre stage of event putting out different forms of warring displays amidst incessant firing of muskets.
Sitting in state as chief mourner was the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, ably supported by his chief lieutenant, the Adonteng of the Ga State and the Gbese Mantse, Nii Dr Ayi Bonte II, and other chiefs from the Ga State.
Naa Dedei Omaedru III who was the paramount queenmother of the Ga State reigned for a period of 59 years serving as the pillar of unity and development amongst the people of Accra.
Naa Dedei Omaedru III known in private life as Naa Dedei Ablah was born to George Holmes and Sarah Akweley Kotey at Faase Accra.
Her earlier education started while with her uncle, Charles Holmes, at Lagos in Nigeria, however, she returned to Ghana and continued her education at Adabraka Methodist School where she completed her standard seven education.
Naa Dedei Omaedru secured her first employment at the Pioneer Paper Bag factory at James Town Accra.
In 1960 and 61 she emerged as the Miss Greater Accra and second runner up in the Miss Ghana contest for the same periods.
Delivering the sermon, the Anglican priest at the Ridge Church, Reverend Canon Andrew Togbor, admonished the people of Accra to let the life of the late queenmother serve as a guide.
He said Naa Omaedru embodied the spirit of unity and development for her people and this must serve as a testimony for the present generation.
Rev. Canon Togbor therefore admonished that the processes leading to her replacement must be done in honesty and transparency.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
