President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Savannah Region’s Representative of the Council of State, Tingawura Sampson Abudu Seidu, describing his passing as a significant loss to the Council, the Gonja traditional area and the country at large.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday 26th August, 2026, when a delegation from the Gonja Traditional Council, led by Gariba Mandariwura Alhaji Gilbert Seidu Iddi, called on him to officially inform him of the passing of the Council of State member.
President Mahama, said he had known the deceased for a long time and was deeply saddened by his sudden passing.
He disclosed that he had been in contact with medical personnel at the University of Ghana Medical Centre during the deceased’s treatment and had been informed that although he received the best available care and underwent surgery, complications eventually developed.
President Mahama described the period as a particularly difficult one, noting that the country and his family had recently suffered several bereavements.
He mentioned the death of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the Deputy Ambassador of Ghana to the Kingdom of Saudi as sad events.
The President further described the late Tingawura Sampson Abudu Seidu as a thoughtful man who was not known for speaking excessively, but whose contributions were carefully considered whenever he chose to speak.
He expressed hope that the region would elect a person worthy of the late member’s stature to replace him on the Council of State.
President Mahama thanked the Gonja delegation for officially informing him of the death and prayed for God’s peaceful rest for the deceased and strength for his family, colleagues and the people of the Gonja Traditional Area.
President Mahama said arrangements would be made for members of the Council of State to travel to Bole to pay their respects to the late Council member.
Speaking on behalf of the King and Overlord of Gonja and the Paramount Chief of the Bole Traditional Area Mandariwura Alhaji Gilbert Seidu Iddi said the late Tingawura was taken to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) for medical treatment, where he received care and underwent surgery. Despite efforts by the medical team and support from President Mahama, complications arose and he subsequently passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026
He expressed appreciation to President Mahama for the arrangements and support provided during the deceased’s illness and for ensuring that his mortal remains were conveyed to the traditional authorities in Gonja land at Bole.
Gariba Mandariwura explained that by Gonja tradition, the death of a person of royal status is not immediately assumed until the appropriate traditional authorities have been formally informed and the necessary customary rites are performed.
Mandariwura Alhaji Gilbert Seidu Iddi also took the opportunity to formally inform members of the Council of State many of whom were present at the Office of the President of the passing of their colleague representing Savannah Region.
The Chairman of the Council of State Edward Doe Adjaho also paid tribute to the late member, describing him as a calm, thoughtful and dignified person who listened carefully during deliberations and only contributed when he had something meaningful to add.
He recalled an instance during discussions on the appointment of a governor and deputy governor when the deceased quietly intervened to identify the regional background of one of the persons under consideration.
Edward Doe Adjaho said the late Council member’s calm approach and thoughtful contributions earned him the respect of his colleagues.
He disclosed that the Council had been monitoring the deceased’s health after learning of his admission to the University of Ghana Medical Centre and had intended to reach out to him during the week before news of his death was confirmed.
The Chairman of the Council of State described the death of Tingawura Sampson Seidu Abudu as a major blow to the Council, noting that the late member had devoted himself to public service and had also played an important role in the traditional area.
The seventh day funeral of the late Council of State member is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026 in Bole.
source: nkilgifm.com
