The family of the late Ga Manye, Naa Dedei Omaedru III, has officially announced the final funeral arrangements for the late Paramount Queen Mother of the Ga State, who passed away at the age of 89.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Asafoatse Nii Kotey Ga II revealed that the solemn four-day funeral rites and burial services will take place in November 2026.
According to the official schedule, the traditional events will commence on Thursday, 12th November 2026, with traditional rites and a wake-keeping at the Naa Dedei Omaedru Palace in Faase, Accra. The body will lie in state at the same palace grounds on Friday, 13th November 2026.
Mourners, dignitaries, and sympathisers will assemble on Saturday, 14th November 2026, for the burial service at 9:00 AM at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. The final funeral observations will conclude on Sunday, 15th November 2026, with a thanksgiving service scheduled for 9:00 AM at the same cathedral.
Asafoatse Nii Kotey Ga II assured the public that key security agencies and state authorities have been formally notified to ensure a peaceful ceremony.
“All relevant authorities, including the Police, National Security, and state officials, have been fully briefed ahead of the solemn event,” Asafoatse Nii Kotey Ga II stated.
He further disclosed that despite attempts by the family to engage President John Dramani Mahama directly, internal interference had prevented a meeting.
“We made several attempts to meet with the President to brief him on the arrangements, but certain individuals worked behind the scenes to obstruct our access. We have also formally petitioned the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs,” he added.
The official announcement comes following a fierce dispute over a previous burial ceremony organised in October 2023 by the Ga Traditional Council, which the family publicly denounced as fraudulent.
Addressing reporters previously at the Naa Dedei Omaedru We in 2024, Asafoatse Nii Kotey Ga II alleged that the 2023 ceremony, attended by high-profile government figures, was conducted using an empty casket stuffed with stones.
“We want to state categorically that the mortal remains of the late Naa Dedei Omaedru III were never laid to rest. The casket that was prayed over contained only stones. Persons presented as her children were impersonators,” he declared.
Explaining the delay in coming forward, the traditional leader noted that death threats forced family members into silence at the time.
“They threatened to kill us if we spoke out, and assailants were sent after us. Our lives were in danger, so we had to take caution. But the truth is now out, and the public must know that our Queen Mother remains unburied,” Asafoatse Nii Kotey Ga II asserted.
The family head, Charles Kotey Kotey, reaffirmed that the body has remained in the family’s custody throughout the ordeal.
“The mortal remains of our mother are still with the family. Whatever was reported in the past regarding her interment was completely false, and we are now moving forward with the genuine rites,” Charles Kotey Kotey said.
Known in private life as Naa Dedei Ablah, the late Paramount Queen Mother was born on 20th April 1934 in Faase, Accra, to George Holmes and Sarah Akweley Kotey. She passed away on 26th December 2022 in Dansoman, Accra, leaving behind five children, 30 grandchildren, and 59 great-grandchildren.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana