The President of the National House of Chiefs and the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV and a high-powered delegation of chiefs representing the National House of Chiefs, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and the Asogli State, are the latest among a raft of others, to mourn with former President Jerry John Rawlings and the Agbotui family on the demise of Madam Victoria Agbotui.
The Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Light House Chapel, the Okyenhene, the Aborehemaa, the National Road Safety Authority, the Osie of the Avatime Traditional Area and a host of other groups and individuals have also called to express their condolences.
Addressing the former President and his family, Togbe Afede said: “24th of September, 2020 was a sad day for all of us. On that day we lost our illustrious mother, through whom we have you (former President Rawlings); one of the very best leaders we can dream of having. Today, we are here to extend to you our condolences and to pray that the good Lord consoles you and keeps you strong. It is our prayer that her soul rests peacefully in the loving arms of the Father. We ask that the Good Lord takes care of all of you.”
Earlier Ambassador Dan Abodakpi, Stool Father of the Anlo State in receiving the delegation, commended Togbe Afede for the qualitative improvement he had brought to the affairs of the National House of Chiefs.
“We have been observing closely the courage, principles and the determination that you have brought to bear on the high office of President, ably supported by Daasebre Kwebu Ewusie,” Ambassador Abodakpi stated.
The Stool Father of the Anlo State also congratulated the newly elected President of the Volta regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo, the IV, Paramount Chief of the Anfoega Traditional Area.
Members of the delegation included Daasebre Kwebu Ewusie VII, Paramount Chief of Abeadze Traditional Area and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, Nana Soglo Allo IV, Paramount Chief of Likpe, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, Paramount Chief of Anfoega and President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, Togbe Patamia Dzekle VII of Battor, Vice President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Dadzawa III, Paramount Chief of Shia Traditional Area as well as Togbe Dzaketsigbe IV, Paramount Chief of Akoefe.
COCA-COLA
The Managing Director of Coca-Cola West Africa has disclosed that Madam Victoria Agbotui, the late mother of former President Jerry John Rawlings, was an adherent of the Coca Cola brand until her last year on earth.
Coca Cola’s Felix Gomis, in commiserating with former President Rawlings and his family during a condolence visit on Tuesday, said: “We have come to learn through our intelligence that she was an adherent of Coca Cola products all her life.”
Mr Gomis offered the “deepest condolences” of the Coca Cola company to former President Rawlings and his family. He said the company knew the legacy of Madam Agbotui and mourned alongside the family and the people of Ghana.
The Coca Cola boss also took the opportunity to express the company’s gratitude to the former President for the support given the company during his tenure as President, through the establishment of their factory and installation of some of the lines.
The Managing Director also donated an assortment of the company’s products and an undisclosed cash amount.
Former President Rawlings in expressing his gratitude to Coca Cola also spoke about the quest for excellence, the quest for perfection, the responsible use of freedom and the strive for godliness. He referred to the fact that though the Europeans introduced Africans to God, “we took it and detached God from ourselves and yet I think in our tradition, in our culture we do not externalize God to that extent; we internalize it. He (God) is very much part of us.”
Flt Lt Rawlings recalled with nostalgia one Coca Cola advertisement that enhanced the brand and exposed widely. He said he was disappointed it was withdrawn after a short period.
“I do not see beauty and walk past it. I have been looking for it. I have to digest it, I have to absorb it, I have to assimilate it,” he told the 18-man Coca Cola delegation.
Members of the Coca Cola delegation were Ghislain Eppromo, Finance Director (WAC), Jad Neaime, Commercial Customer Business Director (WAC), Joseph Amunah, WAC Operations Director, Robert Akazaawe, WAC Human Resources Director, Patrice Tene, WAC Regional IT Manager, Sabina Manu, WAC Trade Marketing Manager Dzifa Dotse, WAC Compensation & Benefits Manager and Patrick Awotwi, Commercial Director, Ghana.
Others were Francoise Cleland, HR Manager Ghana, Constantine Sunu, Quality Systems Director Ghana, William Kwarpong, Technical Director Ghana, Farouk Sai, Logistics Manager Ghana, Edward Osei Owusu, Projects & Capability Director Ghana, Alfred Kwadwo Osei, IT Manager Ghana, Rasheed Jehanfo, Finance Manager Ghana, Grace Bekweh, WAC MD Executive Assistant and Bethel Yeboah, Public Affairs & Communications Manager Ghana.
LIGHTHOUSE CHAPEL
Also at the office of former President Rawlings to commiserate with him on Tuesday, was a delegation from the United Denominations of Light House Churches led by its founder Bishop Dag Heward Mills.
Bishop Prince Addai who spoke on behalf of the delegation said having heard of the demise of Madam Agbotui and being a special friend of former President Rawlings, Bishop Dag Heward Mills thought it necessary to visit to commiserate with the family on their loss.
Having exchanged pleasantries Bishop Dag Heward Mills prayed and thanked the Lord for blessing Madam Agbotui to bring forth a great son of Ghana. He also thanked God for giving Madam Agbotui 101 years on earth and prayed for peace and comfort for the bereaved family.
Nana Akosua Takyiwaa, Aborehemaa of Amansie also led a delegation to commiserate with former President Rawlings. Speaking through her linguist, she urged the former President and his family to stay strong, and presented traditional drinks.
Other delegations who have in the past few days commiserated with the former President and the Agbotui and allied families include a delegation from the Okyehene, led by Daasebre Boamah-Darko, Adontehene of the Kyebi Traditional Area, a delegation from the Chinese Association of Ghana and the National Road Safety Authority.
FINAL FUNERAL RITES
All is set for the final funeral rites of Madam Victoria Agbotui on Saturday, October 24. There will be a non-denominational service at the Forecourt of the State House, Accra from 9 am to 10.30 am after which the body will be conveyed to Dzelukope in the Volta Region for interment. A burial service will be held at the Keta School Park after which Madam Agbotui will be interred at a private ceremony.