The Klikor Traditional Council has formally engaged the Presidency on preparations towards the final funeral rites of the late Paramount Chief of the Klikor Traditional Area, Torgbuiga Addo VIII, with a call on government to support the successful organisation of the historic event.
The delegation, led by Torgbuiga Addo IX, was received by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, at the Presidency, in the presence of Presidential Legal Adviser Marietta Brew Oppong, Presidential Adviser Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Minister for Presidential Special Projects Michael Agyekum, and other senior government officials.
The Council announced that the final funeral rites of the late Paramount Chief had been scheduled for October 24, 2026, at Klikor in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.
The funeral, according to the Council, is expected to attract traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, diplomats, religious leaders and other distinguished personalities from Ghana and beyond, in recognition of the late chief’s immense contributions to peace, humanitarian service and national development.
Torgbuiga Addo IX and his delegation appealed to the Presidency to support the funeral arrangements and expressed the hope that President John Dramani Mahama would honour the late Paramount Chief with his presence at the final rites.
The chiefs also used the opportunity to draw government’s attention to some critical development needs within the Klikor Traditional Area, particularly the improvement of roads leading to the area ahead of the funeral.
They explained that with the expected gathering of prominent personalities and mourners, improved road networks would be essential to ensure smooth access and movement during the event.
The Council further appealed for increased government attention towards infrastructure development in the Klikor Traditional Area and the wider Ketu South Constituency.
The chiefs described the late Torgbuiga Addo VIII as a respected traditional leader whose influence extended beyond his traditional jurisdiction.
They highlighted his role during the political crisis in neighbouring Togo in the 1990s, when he facilitated the establishment of refugee camps in Klikor to support displaced persons and worked closely with the government at the time.
The Council also noted that the late Paramount Chief served as a trusted adviser to successive governments and contributed significantly to the promotion of peace, stability and unity.
Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, assured the delegation that their concerns and requests would be conveyed to President John Dramani Mahama for consideration.
He commended the Klikor Traditional Council for maintaining peace and providing development-oriented leadership within the traditional area.
Mr Debrah paid glowing tribute to the late Torgbuiga Addo VIII, describing him as a visionary leader whose wisdom, dedication and service to his people and the country left a lasting legacy.
He assured the delegation that government recognised the important role of traditional authorities in national development and would continue to engage them on issues affecting their communities.
The delegation included Torgbuiga Addo IX, Torgbuiga Gligui VII, Volta Regional Minister James Gunu, Member of Parliament for Ketu South Dzifa Abla Gomashie, Ketu South Municipal Chief Executive Nicholas Kwabla Worlachie, and other chiefs from the Klikor and Anlo traditional areas.
Story by Kekeli K. Blamey
