High profile burial ceremony for three policemen

Accra, Dec. 16, GNA- The mortal remains of three policemen attached to the Very Important Personality Protection Unit,(VIPPU) at the Osu Castle, were buried on Saturday, after a burial service at the parade ground of the National Police Training School in Accra. The three coffins of District Sergeant (Sgt) Major Bawa Ayoma, 45, Sgt. Edward Anane Koranteng, 42 and Sgt. Azumah Alhassani, 40, were laid in state, draped in red and black.

The funeral service was attended by President John Agyekum Kufuor and his wife; Theresa, the Vice President, Alhaji Mahama and his spouse; Hajia Ramatu, ministers of state and representatives from the Police hierarchy, who filed past the coffins, attracting tears from the large gathering of friends, relatives and sympathisers.

After the short burial service, the bodies of Sgt. Ayoma and Sgt. Alhasani were sent to the Osu Cemetery for burial, while the remains of Sgt Koranteng was sent to his hometown at Kwahu.

The three policemen lost their lives on November 26, 2006 while accompanying the Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, on an official visit to the Brong Ahafo Region.

Superintendent (Reverend Father) George Arthur, a Chaplain of the Police Service asked the deceased families to view the death of their beloved ones as the will of God.

He said their tragic death was very honourable since they fell in the line of duty.

Supt. Arthur asked members of the VIPPU in particular and the Police service in general not to be deterred by the death of their colleagues.

He said the misfortune must rather spur them on for hard work and dedication to duty.

The various tributes read in honour of the deceased highlighted their commitment to duty and selflessness.