Mills’ funeral: Gov’t, family agree place of burial

The maternal family of late President John Evans Atta Mills and the state’s funeral committee have agreed to the government’s proposal to bury the late President at a designated place between the Castle Drive and Marine Drive in Accra.

The family and the funeral committee reached the common ground on the burial place at a meeting at Otuam in the Central Region, the late President’s hometown, on Saturday.

Nana Ato Dadzie, a former Chief of Staff under Rawlings administration, who led the delegation, told journalists that all outstanding issues relating to the burial and funeral of the late President had been resolved with his siblings and family.

With the resolution of those issues, Nana Dadzie said the way was now clear for the family and the funeral committee to give the late President a fitting burial and funeral.

He extended an invitation to Ekumfiman and the family to fully participate in the funeral.

Nana Dadzie was accompanied by some members of the committee, including Madam Faustina Nelson, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress, Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe, the Central Regional Minister, and Mr Dan Agbodakpi, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Malaysia.

Nana Dadzie outlined the arrangements for the funeral and burial ceremonies and assured the family that the government was prepared to listen to their grievances for a smooth burial.

He said the government had lined up a package for the Otuam Family, Ekumfiman and the Asafo Company to participate in the funeral and burial ceremonies.

He presented customary drinks and cash to the family and delegations from Ekumfiman towards their participation in the funeral event.

Additionally, he said, the government had made transport and accommodation arrangements for them.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Abusuapanyin Nana Akyerem Acquah, from the Odomna Ebusua of Otuam, said their position on the funeral arrangements by the committee was misconstrued by sections of the media to create an impression that they were against the plans.

He said they would not do anything to prevent the state from organising a state burial for their gifted son and relative and, therefore, indicated their readiness to welcome other decisions that would be taken after the burial.

Source: Daily Graphic