Ho, June 29, (Gaitu/Kanyi), GNA- Chiefs and elders of the Asogli State have called for the ritual cleansing of the Volta Regional Minister's residency in Ho if they are to attend this year's Republic Day reception there.

The demand followed the death of one Mr Dzikunu Agbale in a confrontation with the Police at the residency on Monday June 2. The incident also later led to the death in hospital of Mr. Theophilous Tetteh-Nartey, Ho Municipal Police Commander from wounds sustained during the incident.

Mr Steve Selormey, Volta Regional Co-ordinating Director (RCD), told the Ghana News Agency when contacted that the Chiefs put their demand before him. He said he acknowledged that Ewe tradition demanded that in such tragic situations where death occurred, some rituals would have to be carried out to cleanse such places. Mr Selormey said he made the chiefs' delegation aware that the rituals could not be performed in the absence of the Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi who has travelled out of the country. He said Mr. Dzamesi was expected back in the country on Saturday June 28 but he (Selormey) has not heard from him. Mr Selormey said if it was not possible to perform the rituals before the reception on July 1, then the Chiefs of Asogli would be excused from attending the party.

He said after that the necessary arrangements would be made by which time the Minister would be back to address the demands of the Asogli chiefs. 29 June 08