Accra, Jan. 19, GNA - The Government was on Monday officially informed of the death of Osabarima Dotobibi Takyia Ameyaw II, Paramount Chief of the Techiman Traditional Area in the Brong Ahafo Region.

Osabarima Ameyaw, 56, known in private life as Colonel Joseph Yaw Frimpong was enstooled in 1989 and reigned for 14 years before he died on September 22 2003 at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after a short illness.

A delegation of chiefs and elders from the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs and the Techiman Traditional Council led by Nana Opoku Abankwa II, Krontihene and Acting President of the Council presented a carton of aromatic schnapps to President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu. Nana Asa Akom Panin II, Kyidomhene of Techiman and Chairman of the Funeral Planning Committee, said the body would be laid in State from the February 20 - February 24 and interred at the Techiman Royal Mausoleum on February 25.

He said Osabarima Ameyaw would be remembered for the unity, peace and progress be brought to the people during his reign. President Kufuor said the loss was a big blow not only to the chiefs and people of Techiman and Brong Ahafo Region but the entire nation. He said Osabarima Ameyaw played his role as a true leader and left behind a united and peaceful traditional that had seen much development and progress.

President Kufuor asked the chiefs and people to ensure that the funeral rites were observed in absolute peace in line with Akan custom, tradition and practice that gave much respect to the dead.