Donation To Otuam Family From Gov't Was An Insult – Queenmother

The Queenmother of Ekumfi Otuam, hometown of Ghana's late President Mills, Nana Ama Ntwi III, has lashed out at government describing as an “insult” government’s donation to the family towards the organization of the funeral of the late President.

The leading female traditional leader in Otuam says it is disappointing and insulting the meager amount of money donated by government to the entire family.

Speaking in an interview on Okay FM’s Ade Akye Abia Morning show, Nana Ama Ntwi revealed that government presented a total of GH¢ 5000 (fifty million old cedis), 50 yards of cloth and a few cartons of drinks to be shared among the family and Otuam Traditional Council.

Explaining further, Nana Ama disclosed that out of the figure, the family was given only GH¢2000 and 20 pieces of cloth whiles GH¢1000 and 10 pieces of cloth to the Otuam Traditional Council.

The Ekumfi Otuam town was also given GH¢1000, 10 pieces of cloth and 10 pieces of cloth and GH¢1000 to the Asafomma of the Ekumfi traditional area.

Nana Ama Ntwi however believes the donated items did not convey enough respect, especially given the stature of the late President and the high profile funeral that was being planned.

According to her, she was so upset that she refused to touch the money that was donated to the family and has not even bothered to find out how the amount was shared.

"...the Traditional Council is made up of all the Chiefs in the Ekumfi Otuam district and i wonder how government expected them to share GH¢ 1000 and 10 pieces of cloth...i have decided not to dwell on this too much...because the late President was not my direct family member and i also don't want to make any denigrating statements," she added.

She however expressed her appreciation to all Ghanaians and government for the befitting burial given to the late president.

A total of GH¢663,850 was realised in monetary donations towards the funeral of the late President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills as of Thursday, August 9, 2012.

According to government, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire made donations amounting to CFA 10 million to a number of chiefs from the Central Region, the bereaved family, as well as Dr Ernestina Naadu Mills, widow, and Mr Sam Atta Mills, son of the late President Mills.

A statement signed by a Deputy Information Minister, Mr James Agyenim-Boateng, said Goldfields Ghana Limited has pledged to construct an ICT centre at a cost of GH¢200,000 at Huni Valley Methodist Basic School, the alma mater of the late President Mills.

The ICT centre, on completion, will be named after the late President Mills.

The statement said the Funeral Planning Committee also received a variety of items ranging from assorted drinks and food items to souvenirs.

It said 58 companies and individuals made donations towards the organisation of the funeral.