Accra, Jan. 6, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor was on Thursday officially informed of the death of Mr Ebenezer Martin Dako, father of the Information Minister, Mr Dan Botwe.

Nana Asiama Bekoe, Tufohene of Akwapim Abiriw in the Eastern Region, led a delegation of the bereaved family to the Castle, Osu, to inform the President.

He announced to President Kufuor that Mr Dako, 94, a prominent teacher and farmer, would be laid in state on January 13, to be followed by burial and funeral rites the next day.

President Kufuor said the deceased lived a blessed life and contributed his part to the service of the nation. He said nothing could be more refreshing, fulfilling and a source of pride than to see one's child grow to become a Minister of State. President Kufuor said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Government, of which Mr Botwe was part, would be well represented at the funeral.

Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Minister of Education and Sports, said it was in order that the bereaved family came to officially inform the President and the Government of the death of Mr Dako. He left behind a wife and eight children.