[ 2012-08-03 ]

Independence Square is venue for Mills’ funeral
The Independence Square also known as the Black
Star Square has been set as the venue for the
funeral ceremony of the late President John Evans
Atta Mills.

According to the Funeral Committee set up to
oversee a successful burial, the venue was chosen
to accommodate the huge crowd that would throng to
the grounds.

In a move to control crowd as well as reduce heavy
vehicular traffic, giant screens will be mounted
at vantage points including the Accra and El-wak
Sports stadia for the general public to have a
feel of what is taking place at the main grounds.

At a press briefing on Friday, the Chairman of the
Funeral Committee, Totobi Quakye in outlining the
arrangements stated that due to the lack of
foresight, the committee experienced challenges in
planning the funeral but was quick to add that the
committee made its possible best to make the
arrangements successful.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

The Casket containing the remains of President
John Mills will be conveyed to the State House at
3pm on August 8 where the family will be there to
receive the body as custom demands.

President John Dramani Mahama will be the first to
pay his last respect to the late President John
Mills followed by the Vice President.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of
States will then proceed to file past the body
till 5pm after which the general public will be
allowed to pay their respect to the late
President.

A vigil will be held on the evening of the
Wednesday till 12 midnight when the vigil will
officially end.

Mr. Quakye, however, explained that persons who
would wish to continue with the vigil will be
allowed to do so.

On Thursday, August 9, 2012, the public viewing of
the body of the late President Mills will resume.

Persons to file past the body on this day include
the National House of Chiefs and other
identifiable groups in the country.

In the evening, a night of tributes and prayers
will be organized in honour of President Mills.

On this day, the public viewing will end at 12
midnight.

Then on Friday, August 10 which is also the burial
day of President Mills, a traditional farewell
ceremony will be held at the Banquet Hall in
Accra.

Then the casket containing the President’s remains
will be carried to the Black Star Square where the
funeral church service will also be held.

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist church of
Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante will
preside over the service.

Visiting Heads of State will on this day be given
the opportunity to file past the body of the Late
President Mills.

The burial will take place at a specially
designated place in between Castle Drive and
Marine Drive in Accra.

According to the Chairman, no event or
thanksgiving service has been planned as yet but a
decision will be taken when necessary.

The Ghana Police Service also gave the assurance
that they would ensure absolute law and order
during the occasion and asked the general public
to cooperate and adhere to the arrangements
given.

Source - Citifmonline

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