Breman-Esiam (C/R), Aug. 26, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Saturday joined the chiefs and people of the Breman-Esiam Traditional Area at a grand funeral for their late Omanhene, Nana Atta Amanafo-Poku II.

He was accompanied by Nana Ato Arthur, the Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam and former Regional Minister, Mr Smith Duncan, Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and District Chief Executives.

Also present were some members of the Regional House of Chiefs, including its acting President, Nana Kwamena Ansah II. The late Nana Amanafo-Poku who died in December, 2003, at the age of 61, reigned for 34 years.

His mortal remains, which had been lying in state since Friday, were expected to be buried at dawn on Sunday amidst the performance of some esoteric rituals.

President Kufuor in a tribute said the late Chief served his people and the entire Central region where he was the President of the Regional House.

The policy of the Government, he said, was to honour those who distinguish themselves in their service to the nation, adding that, his presence was a recognition of the good works of the late Chief. President Kufuor asked the people to be inspired by this to show renewed dedication and commitment to the cause of society and to sustain the development vision of Nana Amanafo-Poku. The Government presented a carton each of schnapps, beer, Guinness, Malta Guinness, assorted soft drinks and a cash of 10 million cedis to support his funeral.

President Kufuor, accompanied by Nana Arthur had earlier attended the pre-burial service of the late Kojo Essiful, first Vice Chairman of the Efutu Constituency of the NPP held at the Liberation Square in Winneba.

Described as one of the most loyal and consistent members of the party in the area, he died at the ripe age of 80. In attendance were top ranking officials of the NPP in the Central Region, who included the Regional Chairman, Mr Duncan, his predecessor, Dr Kweku Ghartey and the Regional Women's Organiser Nana Ama Abrafi Mr Samuel Owusu-Adjei, Deputy Minister of Health and MP for Efutu, Mr. Opei Abbey, MP, Awutu-Senya, and some District Chief Executives also attended.

The Reverend J.C Agbesi, the District Pastor of the Pentecost Church, the officiating minister, in a sermon exhorted Ghanaians to lead lives that would enable them to find favour with God. They should work to promote the good of society and distance themselves from acts likely to retard progress.