Accra, Dec. 14, GNA - A delegation of chiefs and elders from the Akpini Traditional Area in Kpando on Friday called at the Castle, Osu, to officially inform President John Agyekum Kufuor of the death of Togbega Dagadu VII, the Paramount Chief.

The late Chief, who reigned for 14 years, was a former Member

of the Council of State and twice served as President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs. He died on August 24, last year, at the age of 68. Togbega Gabasu VI, Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditioal Area and President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, who led the delegation, announced that the funeral rites would be held from April 30 to May 10, 2008.

President Kufuor paid glowing tribute to the late Chief and said his contribution to society, marked him out as a man deserving honour.

"We would all rally to accord him the honour he deserves to encourage those of us privileged to serve our community, society and country to excel."

He noted that the institution of chieftaincy was an integral part of statehood of Ghana, without which the country would not be as cohesive as it was. It was on account of this that its sanctity must be preserved.

President Kufuor said to do this, it was important for kingmakers to, at all times, exhibit the highest sense of responsibility by paying due respect to traditional norms in the selection process of chiefs.

He therefore counselled the kingmakers to make sure that the choice of a successor to the late chief was done in strict accordance with tradition, devoid of intrigues that often led to clashes and the breakdown of law and order.