The final funeral rites of the late Paramount Chief of the Ziavi Traditional Area, Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV, are gathering momentum as they have entered the second week. 

The customary rites, as scheduled to commence on 9th February, 2026, and end on the 1st of March, 2026, continue unabated as women groups under the lead of Queen Mothers took their turn to perform some rites over the last two weeks. These are known as Avihadzidzi and Togbega Didi.

Royal return of Togbega Kwaku Ayim 

The actual funeral rites would begin on Friday, 20th February, 2026 when the mortal remains of Togbega will be accompanied to Ziavi-Dzogbe, precisely the Akpevi Clan.

This would include a procession of warriors, Queen, women’s groups, and citizens of Ziavi, sympathizers, and well-wishers, exhibiting the rich Ewe customs and traditions. 

The mortal remains of Togbega Kwaku Ayim would be laid in state between Saturday 21st February, 2026 and Saturday 28th February, 2026.

This would enable well-wishers, sympathizers, and others to pay their last respect to the distinguished chief who had contributed to the development of the chieftaincy institution and lasting in some traditional areas in the Volta Region.

Asafo performances 

On Saturday, Asogli-Ho warriors would take their turn to perform their Afanyanya rites and pay homage to Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV. About 500 warriors are expected to undertake this very important activity.

Warriors from the Klefe Traditional Area would take their turn on Monday morning for their Asado performance, while Alavanyo Wudidi will perform in the afternoon. 

The people of Gbi-Peki, would storm the streets of Ziavi in the warregalia to mourn with the chiefs and people of Ziavi on Tuesday. They bring forth the best war fares coupled with the drumming of sacred war drums and their accompanying dances. 

The Akpinis from Kpando, under the lead of Akpinifiaga, Okpekpewuokpe Dagadu XI, would demonstrate their love to the people of Ziavi as they mourn the demise of Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV.  The late traditional ruler led a committee that brought sanctity to the chiefdom, by adjudicating a tussle of the legitimate successor to the Akpini throne.  

The Chiefs and people of Takla and Tsyome Traditional Areas are scheduled to perform on Thursday, with the Awazorli Union ending the Asafo performances on Friday.

The Union comprises about 6 traditional areas that fled the rulership of King Agokorli of Notsei, and migrated together to their present settlements. 

Awazorli Traditional Areas are Ziavi, Etordome, Kpedze-Todze, Botoku, Kpando-Anyigbe, Mepe in the Volta Region; and Ando enclaves in Ghana and Togo.

Burial Service

A solemn burial service will be held at the Ziavi Senior High Technical School park on Saturday 28th of February 2026 at Ziavi Dzogbe.

Delegations from the government, public and private institutions, the clergy, and politicians among others together with traditional authorities would join the Chiefs and people of Ziavi to mount and pay their last respect to Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV. 

This would be followed by other customs and traditional rites. 

The Chiefs and people of Aflao Traditional Area led by Togbega Amenya Fiti would pay homage to the Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV on Sunday 1st March 2026 with a cultural display, firing of musketry among other traditional rites.

Supports 

Ziavi Tutui Coffee Ltd, of which Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV, was the mastermind behind its establishment  has provided several cartons of coffee and its accompanying products in support of the funeral. 

Speaking at the presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of Ziavi Tutui Coffee Ltd, Benjamin Atidaza, eulogized the contribution of the late traditional ruler to the growth of the company through words of encouragement, and becoming and self-appointed advocate. 

Goil Ghana Limited, Edmas Foods Ltd, Aya Water, among others have contributed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Royal Funeral for Togbega Kwaku Ayim IV.