“Giving Nana Ampadu A State Burial Will Be In Order” – Okraku Mantey Assures

Mark Okraku Mantey, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has declared that no one, regardless of their service to Ghana, may expect a state burial after they die.

In response to requests from members of the public for a state burial for late Highlife star Nana Kwame Ampadu, the deputy minister stated that “it will be in order to grant Nana Ampadu a state burial,” but the choice rests with the state and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Mr Okraku Mantey recalled an incident in which the family of late veteran actor and producer, Osofo Dadzie, stated that his wish was for Ghana to give him a state burial when he died in an interview on Peace FM's “Entertainment Review.”

President Akufo-Addo, according to him, stated that the mandate is completely dependent on the state and not on a request from an individual.

“When Osofo Dadzie died last year, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, the Minister at the time, led a team to meet the president. In a plea to the president, one of his family members stated that Osofo Dadzie deserved a state funeral because of his contributions to Ghana, without realizing that the president had quoted it down. When it came time for him to speak to the delegation, he remarked that he does not have the authority to determine whether or not he should be granted a state funeral when he passes away.

Mr Okraku Mantey said that the state will make that decision at the moment since the family claimed that Osofo Dadzie requested a state burial.

In light of Nana Ampadu's devotion to Ghana, he believes it is only right to grant him a state funeral. Nana Ampadu is also known as “Adwomtofo Nyinaa Hene,” which translates to “The King of All Musicians.”

“I've always remembered the president's comments on that day. From where I sit, I don't have the authority to say whether we should give Nana Ampadu a state funeral or not, but if the president, in his wisdom, and those who will make the decision on his burial feel he should, I believe it is appropriate. There will be no problem if the president chooses to grant him a state funeral, but no one has the authority to demand one.”

Source: Dklassgh.com