Accra, Jan. 27, GNA - A large number of people clad in the traditional black and red mourning apparel, besieged the forecourt of Ga Mantse Palace on Saturday to bid farewell to the Overlord of the Ga Traditional Area, Boni Nii Amugi II, who died two years ago. Security personnel at the premises, which was adorned with the traditional symbol of an antelope on an elephant, had a hectic time pushing back the ecstatic crowd that was surging towards the dais where the Government delegation, led by Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, was seated.

The delegation comprised the First Lady, Mrs Theresa Kufuor; Ministers of State; Members of Parliament and some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

The presence of representatives of the main opposition, National Democratic Congress, led by Former President, Jerry John Rawlings and the Party's Flagbearer for Election 2008, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills attracted deafening cheers that failed to fizzle out even when tributes were being read in honour of Nii Amugi, who was lying in State in a closed casket, amidst musketry.

Osagyefo Amotia II, Okyenhene was among the number of chiefs and traditional elders, who paid their last respects to Ga Mantse, who was eulogised for championing peace and stability in the National capital during his 39 years reign.

Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, who read a tribute on behalf of the Government, said the Ga State was at peace during the reign of Nii Amugi.

"He understood leadership to be about service to one's people=85 It is true to say that we have been at peace in Accra all these years largely because we had Nii Amugi II for a Ga Mantse." A tribute read on behalf of Former President Rawlings said the Nii Amugi used his youthfulness and wisdom to hold the Ga State together until his death.

"My personal hope and prayer is that his life, beliefs and achievements will continue to provide guidance to royalty and the rest of us to ensure survival of traditions, customs and good governance throughout Ghana."

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in a tribute read on his behalf said Nii Amugi has been his friend since the 1970s when he was a student at the Institute for Professional Studies.

"I pray to Almighty God that as Nii Amugi goes home, we shall preserve the warm relationship that we established between the two traditional systems of Ga State and the Asanteman."

Odeneho Gyapong Ababio, President of the National House of Chiefs, appealed to the kingmakers of the Ga State to stick to tradition and to choose the right candidate to succeed Nii Amugi.

Delivering the sermon, The Most Reverend Robert Okine, Immediate-Past Anglican Bishop of Koforidua, also called on the Ga Traditional Elders to choose a befitting successor, who would not compromise national peace and cohesion.

Born on June 8, 1940, Nii Amugi, known in private life as Simon Nii Yarboi Yartey died on December 10, 2004. He was survived by his wife, eight children and 11 grandchildren.