Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, has described the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, as an asset to the nation whose life and work left an indelible mark on Ghana.
Paying a condolence visit to the bereaved family, the Ga Mantse said he held Madam Agyemang Rawlings in very high esteem for her lifelong dedication to the empowerment of women and the education of the girl child.
“As someone who also believes deeply in the empowerment of the girl child, her education, and her full incorporation into our society, I hold Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings in a very special place in my heart,” he stated.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II noted that, although tradition required that his court be formally informed of the passing of such a distinguished figure, he chose to set aside protocol to personally extend his condolences to the family.
“Today, even though tradition demands that my court be informed before I visit, I decided to put all that aside to show this much love to the family because the former first lady stood as a tower that represented many different things,” he said.
In accordance with Ga customs, the Ga Mantse presented a box of schnapps to perform the necessary rites, along with 70 boxes of mineral water to support the family as they prepare for the funeral arrangements.
“As we get ourselves ready to bring the family and the state together to set a date for a befitting send-off for our beloved mother and friend, we do so, knowing that all of us here are one family,” he remarked.
Quoting an old proverb, he added: “Our elders say that anytime you hear wailing in your backyard, you have to go and find out what it is. I have adhered strictly to this saying by coming here today to share in your sorrow.”
The Ga Mantse extended heartfelt condolences to the head of the family, the children, and all mourners, praying for divine strength to sustain them through their grief.
Receiving the delegation, Oheneba Akwesi Abeyie, Head of the Agyemang-Rawlings family, recounted that Madam Agyemang-Rawlings had been in good health until Thursday morning when she suddenly fell ill.
“She was rushed to the Ridge Hospital, where she, unfortunately, passed,” he said.
He expressed deep appreciation to the Ga Mantse and his entourage for their visit, saying the family would forever remain grateful for the show of love and solidarity.