Mahama pays tribute to Late Agogo Chief, pledges gov’t support for funeral

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President John Dramani Mahama has honoured the late Paramount Chief of Agogo, Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, describing him as an influential traditional ruler whose contributions played an important role in shaping Ghana’s political and governance history.

The President said the late chief’s 50-year reign and distinguished service in various public positions earned him recognition as one of the traditional leaders who had made significant contributions to the country’s progress.

He made these remarks when a delegation from the Agogo Traditional Council, led by the Agogomanhemaa, Nana Juaben Afrakoma Serwaa Kusi Oboadum, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Presidency.

During the meeting, the delegation formally invited President Mahama to the three-day funeral ceremonies, known as dɔte yiɛ, scheduled for November 24 to 26, 2026, in Agogo in the Ashanti Region.

Group meeting around a conference table with Ghana's president in a government office

President Mahama recalled Nana Akuoko Sarpong’s involvement in national affairs during the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era, when he served as Secretary for Health, Secretary for Internal Affairs and Secretary for Chieftaincy Affairs.

The late Omanhene also served as a member of the Council of State under the late President John Evans Atta Mills and contributed to the formation of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The President noted that his relationship with the late chief was rooted in their shared political history and extended beyond their respective roles in traditional leadership and governance.

“We and Nana are a family. This is because he played a key role from the PNDC era into the NDC. The funeral is not only for you, but for us all. If someone serves his nation well, he deserves to be honoured,” he told the delegation.

He assured the Agogo Traditional Council that the government would support efforts to ensure the late traditional ruler received a befitting funeral.

Four people in black clothing seated together at a formal meeting table

Meanwhile, Nana Juaben Afrakoma Serwaa Kusi Oboadum expressed appreciation to President Mahama for assigning Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to represent him at the one-week observance following the death of the late Omanhene.

She also thanked the government for the ongoing road construction projects in Agogo but appealed for the work to be accelerated to ensure their completion ahead of the funeral ceremonies.

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Dr Julius Debrah, and the Special Aide to the President and Presidential Advisor, Joyce Bawah Mogtari.