The atmosphere at Akropong, in the Okuapem Traditional area was full of sobriety on Monday as people from all walks of life trooped in following the demise of Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, the Paramount chief of the area.
He died at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital last Tuesday. No further details were given as family and palace sources are tight lipped over the development except to give the hint that all the six divisions of the Akuapem State would hold a press conference at 10 a.m. today to outline the way forward for the Akuapem State.
The divisions are Gyase at Amanokrom, Adonten at Aburi, Kronti at Akropong, Nifa at Adukrom, Benkum at Larteh and Kyidom at Mamfe. Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III was installed the Paramount Chief of the Akuapem Traditional Area in 1974 at the age of 44 and reigned continuously for 35 years. He is, therefore, reputed to be the longest reigning Okuapehene since the formation of the Akuapem State.
Education/work experience
Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III had his secondary education at the Presbyterian Secondary School, Odumase Krobo. In his final year at PRESEC, he was the Senior Prefect of the school and obtained a Cambridge School Certificate in 1951. He worked as an Officer in charge of admissions at the Academic Registrar’s Office, University College of Gold Coast from 1952 to 1956. It was during this period that he studied as a private student and obtained his ‘A’ Level and Intermediate B.Sc Economic certificates.
In October 1956, he was admitted to the University College of Ghana and completed in 1959 with B.Sc Economics – University of London degree.
After graduation, he worked briefly as a co-operative officer at the Department of Co-Operatives and as a senior auditor at the Auditor General’s Department. When Mensah Sarbah Hall was opened at the University of Ghana in 1963, he was appointed its Hall Bursar in charge of Financial and Administrative matters.
Chieftaincy
In 1974, Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III was installed the Paramount Chief of the Akuapem Traditional Area. He occupied the following positions: President of the Akuapem Traditional Council from 1974 till his demise. Member, Eastern Regional House of Chiefs 1975 to date. Member, National House of Chiefs 1990-to date. Member, Research Committee, National House of Chiefs 1990-1994.
He was also the Chairman of the Publicity Committee National House of Chiefs 1990-1994 and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs 1994-2000. Member, Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs 1994-2000.