President Mahama Pays Tribute to Late Agogomanhene, Nana Akuoko Sarpong

President John Dramani Mahama has paid tribute to the late Paramount Chief of Agogo, Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, describing him as an outstanding traditional ruler whose contributions to law, politics and national governance helped shape Ghana’s governance architecture.

The President made the remarks when a delegation from the Agogo Traditional Council, led by the Agogomanhemaa, Nana Juaben Afrakoma Serwaa Kusi Oboadum, paid a courtesy call on him at the Presidency to formally invite him to the funeral of the late Omanhene.

The three-day funeral, known traditionally as Dɔte Yie, is scheduled to take place from November 24 to 26, 2026, at Agogo in the Ashanti Region.

In his tribute, President Mahama celebrated Nana Akuoko Sarpong’s five-decade reign and his long record of service to the country, both as a traditional ruler and in public office.

The late Agogomanhene served in several positions during the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era, including Secretary for Health, Secretary for Internal Affairs and Secretary for Chieftaincy Affairs.

He also served as a member of the Council of State during the Fourth Republic under the late President John Evans Atta Mills and played a role in the formation of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

President Mahama said the late chief had a close relationship with the political tradition from which the NDC emerged, making his passing a loss that extended beyond the Agogo Traditional Area.

“We and Nana are a family. This is because he played a key role during 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,” the President told the delegation.

He assured the traditional council of government’s support towards giving the late Omanhene a befitting funeral in recognition of his service to Ghana.

The Agogomanhemaa, Nana Juaben Afrakoma Serwaa Kusi Oboadum, thanked President Mahama for delegating Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to represent him at the one-week celebration of the late chief’s passing.

She also expressed appreciation to the Government for the ongoing construction of roads in Agogo and appealed for the work to be expedited to ensure completion before the burial of the late Omanhene.

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Dr Julius Debrah, and the President’s Special Aide and Presidential Adviser, Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogtari.

Nana Akuoko Sarpong’s five-decade reign and service in traditional leadership and public administration mark a long record of contribution to the Agogo Traditional Area and Ghana’s national life.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD