Ing. Kwabena Agyepong Pays Tribute to Late Mamponghene Daasebre Osei Bonsu II

Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, joined mourners in Asante Mampong over the weekend to pay his respects at the royal burial rites of the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, also known in private life as Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie.

The four-day Dote Yie (Royal Burial Rites), held from June 6 to 9, marked the final farewell to the revered traditional ruler and occupant of the Silver Stool of the Asante Kingdom. Daasebre Osei Bonsu II passed away in April at the age of 85.

In a heartfelt message, Ing. Agyepong extended his “thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences” to the Asante Mamponghemaa and the entire Asanteman Kingdom.

The funeral climaxed on June 9, with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II leading tributes to his longtime deputy, whose tenure as Mamponghene and Krontihene of Asanteman spanned nearly three decades.

Installed in 1996 after years of chieftaincy disputes in Mampong, Daasebre’s ascension marked a turning point in the traditional leadership of the area.

His stewardship in 1999 as regent was pivotal to the seamless transition to the reign of the current Asantehene.

Beyond his traditional duties, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was noted for a lifetime of public service. As Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for close to a decade, he was a staunch advocate for education, particularly for underprivileged students.

He also championed anti-galamsey (illegal mining) efforts and pushed for improvements in sanitation, education, and regional development.

The Dote Yie ceremonies celebrated a legacy defined by leadership, modernization, and selflessness — values encapsulated in the simple yet profound mantra: Service. Sacrifice. Selflessness.

As Asanteman mourns the loss of one of its finest traditional leaders, his legacy continues to resonate across the kingdom and beyond.

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#SERVICE
#SACRIFICE
#SELFLESSNESS