Thousands of mourners, including government officials, traditional rulers, clergy and members of the Christian community, gathered at Ziavi on Saturday to pay their last respects to the late Paramount Chief of the Ziavi Traditional Area, Togbe Kwaku Ayim IV.
The solemn ceremony drew chiefs and queens from Asogli and beyond, reflecting the late chief’s stature and influence across the Volta Region and the country at large.
Among the dignitaries present were H.E. Captain (Rtd) George Nfodjo, Ghana’s Ambassador to Togo, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, together with the Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, Deputy Minister for Transport, Madam Dorcas Affo-Toffey, Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, Mr Mawutor Agbavitor, Mr Stephen Adom, Ho Municipal Chief Executive, and Mr Kofi Kpotosu, Member of Parliament for Ho Central.
Leaders and members of the Evangelical Presbyterian (E.P.) Church, the Church of Pentecost, and other Christian denominations also attended the funeral rites.
Tributes were delivered by the widow and children of the late chief, the Ziavi Traditional Council, the Awazorli Union, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, the E.P. Church, and several other groups and institutions.
Speakers described Togbe Kwaku Ayim IV as a visionary, peace-loving and development-oriented leader whose reign brought significant transformation to Ziavi.
Mr Gunu described the final rites as a fitting tribute to a royal statesman whose life was marked by greatness in service and humility in leadership.
In his tribute, the Minister noted that Togbe was not only a traditional ruler but also a distinguished educationist and Specialist Teacher for the Blind who dedicated over 40 years to shaping lives and championing inclusive education in the Volta Region and beyond.
He said the late chief’s legacy continues through the scholarship fund and other developmental initiatives established in his honour.
On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the Government, the delegation presented a cash donation to support the funeral rites.
Mr Gunu described the late chief as a visionary leader whose commitment to peace, education, and development would remain etched in the history of Ziavi and the Volta Region.
“Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV was a symbol of stability, wisdom, and selfless service. His legacy will continue to inspire generations,” he said.
The late chief is remembered as a unifier, a devout Christian, a community mobiliser, and a father figure to many, whose reign brought social cohesion and sustained development to the Ziavi Traditional Area.
In a sermon, Rev Dr Lawson Kwaku Dzanku, Clerk of the General Assembly of the E.P. Church, Ghana, said the late Paramount Chief distinguished himself through his unwavering commitment to community development.
He noted that Togbe Kwaku Ayim championed the provision of basic amenities, including potable water, electricity, and improved road infrastructure for Ziavi.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Ziavi Senior High Technical School, which was later absorbed by the government, as one of the chief’s enduring legacies.
“Through these initiatives, Togbe has written his name in the history of Ziavi and beyond. He will be remembered everywhere for the impact he made,” Rev Dr Dzanku stated.
He urged current and future leaders to emulate the late chief’s example of selfless service and dedication to community advancement.
“Let us follow in his footsteps so that when we are no more, we too will be remembered for the good we did for our people,” he advised.
Born Davidson Siegfried Beloved Kwaku Kuma on May 23, 1945, at Ziavi Dzogbe, Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential traditional leaders in the post-independence history of Ziavi.
A trained professional teacher, he graduated with distinction from the E.P. Teacher Training College, Bimbilla, and later specialised in Special Education at Akropong and Mampong Akwapim.
He obtained a Bachelor of Education degree from the University College of Education, Winneba, and served in various capacities within the Ghana Education Service, including as a Braille Specialist and Resource Officer for Learners with Disabilities.
Throughout his career, he was a strong advocate for persons with disabilities, working closely with institutions such as the School for the Blind, UNICEF, and other social protection agencies to promote inclusive education and child welfare.
Enstooled as Paramount Chief in 1986, Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV served for 38 years, becoming the longest-reigning chief of Ziavi in the post-independence era. Under his leadership, Ziavi witnessed significant development, including electrification, potable water supply, road improvements, establishment of a community health centre, and the creation and eventual government absorption of Ziavi Senior High School.
He played active roles in the Asogli Traditional Council and the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, where he served on key committees and chaired mediation panels that resolved longstanding chieftaincy disputes, including the historic Kpando dispute.
Beyond traditional leadership, he also served on several boards, including the School of Hygiene in Ho, Shepherds Centre for the Aged, and Taviefe Secondary School.
The funeral rites were marked by traditional performances, Christian liturgy and symbolic customary observances, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Ziavi Traditional Area and the deep respect accorded to the late Paramount Chief.
