Mahama pays tribute to the late Agogomanhene Nana Akuoko Sarpong

President John Mahama has paid tribute to the late Paramount Chief of Agogo, Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, describing him as a distinguished traditional leader whose contributions helped shape Ghana’s governance and political landscape.

He said Nana Akuoko Sarpong’s five-decade reign and service to the country in various public offices earned him a place among the notable traditional leaders who had contributed to Ghana’s development.

President Mahama made the remarks when a delegation of the Agogo Traditional Council, led by the Agogomanhemaa, Nana Juaben Afrakoma Serwaa Kusi Oboadum, paid a courtesy call on him at the Presidency.

The delegation formally invited the President to the three-day funeral rites, known as dɔte yiɛ, scheduled for November 24 to 26, 2026, at Agogo in the Ashanti Region.

The President recalled the late Omanhene’s service under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), during which he served as Secretary for Health, Secretary for Internal Affairs and Secretary for Chieftaincy Affairs.

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

President Mahama said his association with the late chief went beyond traditional leadership, given their shared political history.

“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 of the government's support in giving the late chief a befitting funeral.

Nana Juaben Afrakoma Serwaa Kusi Oboadum thanked the President for delegating Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to attend the one-week observance of the late Omanhene'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 funeral.

The Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Dr Julius Debrah, and the Special Aide to the President and Presidential Advisor, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, were among those present at the meeting.