A funeral mass has been held in Ho for Madam Rosaria Akuyo Anyawoe, mother of Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State and President of the National House of Chiefs.

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and former President Jerry John Rawlings were among dignitaries who joined the Paramount Chief to bid his mother farewell.

The body of the deceased was laid in state at the OLA Girls Senior High School where the burial mass was performed by the Ho Diocese of the Catholic Church preceding a private burial later.

Bishop Emmanuel Fianu, Bishop of the Diocese said in a sermon that the selfless contributions Madam Rosaria made in life continued to benefit many, and must be emulated.

Togbe Afede, in a solemn tribute, recounted his mother's struggle to save his schooling, saying she had always provided expert advice despite her lack of formal education.

He was thankful for picking virtues such as honesty, truthfulness, empathy and long-suffering from his late mother, whom he described as a successful palm wine seller.

"My mother taught us the importance of hard work and taught us to be resolutely committed to our goals. We were inspired by how she juggled her duties daily. Dada also taught us to be honest, so we would truly earn, with pride, whatever benefits we receive", Togbe Afede said.

Akuyo Anyawo, mother of four, who lived from 1932 to 2018, headed the Palm Wine Sellers Association in the Volta Region whiles venturing into farming and other endeavours.

The funeral event is spanning two weeks, with Ho virtually draped in black and red.

The Asogli Traditional Council ordered all businesses closed in Ho from 0600 hours to 1500 hours for the ceremony, with heavy deployment of security personnel, in addition to roadblocks and diversions.

Present at the Mass were also Ministers of State, Members of the Council of State, Political Party heads, corporate leaders, former government appointees, and some foreign development partners, with more expected until the event ends on July 07.