Seek Government Backing Ahead Of Paramount Chief’s Final Funeral Rites
A high‑powered delegation from the Klikor Traditional Council, led by Torgbuiga Addo IX, on Tuesday paid a formal visit to the Presidency to announce preparations for the final funeral rites of the late Paramount Chief, Torgbuiga Addo VII, and to table urgent development requests before government.
The visit follows the Council’s earlier formal notification to the President, in which they announced the passing of the late Torgbuiga Addo IX, stating: “We respectfully write to formally announce the sad passing of Togbiga Addo VIII… His demise occurred on 14th January, 2026.”
At the Flagstaff House, the chiefs were received by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, flanked by Marietta Brew Oppong, Legal Advisor to the President; Elvis Afriyie Ankrah; Michael Agyekum, Minister for Presidential Special Projects; and other senior officials.
Sources inside the Presidency told The New Republic that the Klikor delegation did not only come to announce funeral arrangements they came with a clear development agenda.
With the funeral scheduled for 24th October 2026 in the Klikor Traditional Area, the chiefs warned that the event will attract “prominent guests, dignitaries, and high‑level national representation,” making the state of roads in the area a matter of national concern.
They therefore appealed for immediate government intervention to rehabilitate and construct major access roads leading into Klikor and adjoining communities.
The chiefs also pushed for expanded development support for the Klikor Traditional Area and the wider Ketu South Constituency, citing years of infrastructural neglect and the need for stronger government presence.
In their earlier correspondence to the Presidency, the Council highlighted the late chief’s national contributions, noting that:
“During the 1990s political crisis in Togo, the late Togbiga Addo VIII established refugee camps in Klikor to support the government of H.E. Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings… He continued to serve as a trusted advisor to successive Presidents of the Republic.”
The delegation emphasized that the late chief’s legacy of peacebuilding, humanitarian support, and collaboration with state institutions deserved a funeral befitting his stature.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah assured Torgbuiga and his chiefs that their requests would be conveyed to President John Dramani Mahama for consideration. The Chief of Staff reportedly commended the Klikor leadership for maintaining stability and development‑focused governance in the traditional area. Debrah also paid glowing tribute to the late Torgbuiga Addo for his immense visionary and wisdom displayed to lead his people and served the nation as a whole while he was alive.
While no firm commitments were announced publicly, insiders say the Presidency views the funeral as a “national event with diplomatic implications,” making the chiefs’ requests difficult to ignore.
The Klikor Traditional Council Hopes the President would not only offer supports but also make time to pay his last respect to the late overlord of Klikor Traditional area.
With barely four months to the funeral, all eyes now turn to whether government will move swiftly to address the chiefs’ demands or risk embarrassment when dignitaries converge on Klikor in October.