Assin-Fosu (C/R), March 25, GNA - President John Agyekum on Friday joined the chiefs and people of Afuatuakwa Traditional Area at Assin-Fosu, for a pre-burial ceremony of the late Omanhene, Nana Professor Okumani Obiri Yeboah.

The body of the late Omanhene, who died on September 14, last year at the age of 78, has been lying in state since Wednesday. He would be buried after esoteric traditional rites at deep night on Saturday.

Known in private life as Dr Isaac Amissah-Aidoo, Nana Yeboah served as Deputy Speaker of Parliament in 1969 and was also a former Member of the Council of State.

In a tribute, President Kufuor described the late Omanhene as someone who was not only humble but also knowledgeable and had fellow feeling.

He also served his nation and people well and showed keen interest in the political administration of the country, the President added. He made a presented a carton of schnapps and 10 million cedis to the Traditional Council.

Mr Isaac Edumadze, Central Regional Minister, and Mr Kennedy Agyepong, Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, accompanied President Kufuor to the funeral.

Nana Okumani Yeboah reigned for 40 years and seven months. He left behind a wife, Mrs Catherine Ammissah-Aidoo, an Irish, and four children.