Legal tussle over Ga queen mother’s funeral
Naa Omaedru, 88, was known in private life as Naa Dedei Ablah. She was installed as Ga manye in 1963 at the age of 29
The Accra High Court has issued an order restraining the Ga traditional council from going ahead with the funeral rite of the late Ga Manye (Queen mother), Naa Dedei Omaedru III on Saturday.
“It is hereby ordered defendants/respondents or the funeral committee chaired by Nii Otintor II, all members of the committee, their privies, workmen, assigns and all persons working through them are restrained from handling, organising, touching, performing or dealing with the remained of the Late Queen Mother, Naa Dedei Omaedru III in any manner for a period of ten (10) days,” the court said.
The plaintiffs in the case are: Nuumo Emmanuel T. Antia We, Head of the Antie We of Kpone, Nii Addey Oba-Aasaa II, Ankobea of Antie We of Kpone, Shippi Antie I, Saduase Shippi Kpone, Charles Nii Kotey Kotey, Head of Naa Dedei Omaedru We Family of Faase, Accra, Asafoatse Nii Kotey Ga II, Oseahene of Ga Manye Stool and Principal Elder of the Naa Dedei Omaedru We of Faase Accra, Michael Nii Ofei Danso of unnumbered House Accra, Principal Elder of Naa Dedei Omaedru We of Faase Accra and Naa Yomofio, Linguist of Ga Manye Naa Dedei Omaedru We.
The Ga traditional council has already begun processes leading to the burial and has directed businesses to close on Saturday (28 October) for the final rite.
“This is an amendment to our previous notice of 4 September 2023. The Ga Traditional Council has determined that shops and markets within Accra should be closed on Saturday, the 28th of October 2023 only and not from the 26th of October to the 29th of October 2023 to the 31st of October 2023 as previously announced,” a statement issued by the council said.
“In addition, it is required that all markets, shops and offices in Accra should be draped in red and black, our mourning colours from the 15 October to 31 October 2023. We respectfully urge everyone to comply fully with this announcement,” it added.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the funeral service say they will proceed with the ceremony on Saturday, despite the injunction.
Background
Naa Omaedru, 88, was known in private life as Naa Dedei Ablah. She was installed Ga Manye in 1963 when she was 29.
Credits
During her reign, Naa Omaedru was credited with devoting her life selflessly to public and voluntary service and championing important issues crucial to peace, education and opportunities for young people, especially the girl-child.
These include seeking the welfare of the girl-child and women to safeguard their future, setting a remarkable example of leadership to queen mothers in the Ga State.
