Books of condolence opened in memory of President

The Government announced on Wednesday that it has opened books of condolence at various locations in memory of President John Evans Atta Mills who passed away on Tuesday afternoon.

A statement signed by Minister for Information, Mr Fritz Baffuor, said the books of condolence would be opened at the Flagstaff House, State Banquet Hall in Accra, and the Regimanuel Estate private residence of the late President.

It said books of condolence would also be opened in all regional capitals and Ghana’s Missions abroad.

The death of President Mills, who was sworn in on January 7, 2009, occurred at the 37 Military Hospital on Tuesday while receiving medical attention after being taken ill a few hours earlier.

Meanwhile, he National Executive Committee of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) would meet on Thursday to decide on the party’s fortunes after the death of Professor Mills, who was the flag bearer.

The meeting is also expected to spell out the way forward on who would be selected as the next flag bearer to lead the party in the December poll.

Mr Joshua Hamidu Akamda, Deputy National Organiser of the NDC disclosed this to journalists in Accra on Wednesday when many sympathisers besieged the party’s Headquarters at Kokomlemle to sign the Book of Condolence and to mourn with the family of the late President.

The atmosphere at the NDC Headquarters was sombre as dozens of people were seen clad in red and black mourning attire, with hand bands.

Some were visibly shocked shaking their heads in disbelief while others were in tears.

The late President Mills celebrated his 68th birthday only last Saturday, July 21.

Source: GNA