|
President John Dramani Mahama, in a tribute to the late President, John Evans Atta Mills at his burial service, described him ‘as a great statesman, a unifier and a possessor of diverse virtues.’
He told the nation: “We have all come to appreciate what our late President has lent to our great Ghana and the world.
“He is, indeed, a father for all. I am in no doubt that the unifier and the man of peace that our late President was in passing on to glory will be a catalyst for our country to consolidate the peace and forge ahead in unity.
“His legacy will live long into eternity.”
President Mahama, who succeeded the late President, had arrived at the Independence Square and had earlier lit the perpetual flame before moving to where the casket was at the centre of the Square.
The casket, bearing the body of the late President who passed away two days after marking his 68th birthday, was draped in the national colours of red, gold and green.
The Independence Square was a sea of red and black, of thousands of people who had come from all parts of the country to say goodbye to their President whose vision was to build a “Better Ghana.”
The funeral cortege was led by the Aide-de-Camp of the late President, Colonel Lante Lawson.
Tributes were interspersed with Bible reading and choral performances by a mass choir.
Mourners sat attentively to listen to the sermon and other tributes from the widow, Dr Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills, the family represented, Dr Cadman Mills, brother of the late President.
The call for the beginning of the ceremony was performed by the Right Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the opening prayer by Apostle Dr Opoku Onyinah, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost.
Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, National Chief Imam also offered a prayer.
The Scriptural readings were done by Professor Kofi Awoonor, Chairman of the Council of State, Mrs Justice Joyce Adeline Bamford-Addo, the Speaker of Parliament and Chief Justice Mrs Justice Georgina Theodora Wood.
The body of the President would be interred at the Geese Park.
Source: GNA
|
