Hundreds of people observe one week celebration of the demise of President Mills

Hundreds of people from all walks of life on Tuesday converged at the Jubilee Park in the Cape Coast Municipality, to mark the one week celebration of the demise of President John Evans Mills.

Businesses, offices, shops and stores were closed for more than five hours as the people, clad in black or red, converged at the park to be part of the solemn ceremony, which was attended by paramount chiefs, queen mothers and political party leaders.

Also in attendance were heads of departments, council of state members, district chief executives, religious leaders, parliamentarians and party supporters, among other dignitaries.

The solemn ceremony was characterised by the reading of tributes and playing of dirges and music by the First Cape Coast Boys Brigade Company, International Central Gospel Church Choir, Fire Angels, and the Musama Disco Christo Church Choir.

There were also scripture readings from the books of Proverbs, Romans and John, as well as an Epilogue and Biography of the late President.

More than 10 glowing tributes were read and they all described the late President as a Christian, honest, and a peace loving man, who did everything in his capacity to build a united and a better Ghana.

Mrs. Mercy Quarshie, elder sister of the late President, in her tribute, said Professor Mills always preached peace and unity and would not like any division, to emerge as a result of his passing away.

She, in this regard, called on all to remain resolute and united to give the late President a befitting funeral and burial.

Mr. Samuel Adu Yeboah, Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, described the Late President John Atta Mills as an excellent leader, adding that he was humble, punctual, an advocate of peace, as well as a fatherly figure to all.

He said the nation has lost a priceless jewel and that within his three and half years stay in office, he was able to achieve a lot in terms of development.

Mrs. Ama Benyiwa Doe, Central Regional Minister, who was in tears, said the region and the nation had lost a great treasure and described the late President as selfless person, who treated everyone with respect and love.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all for participating in the ceremony and stressed that as the late President stood for peace, all should endeavour to emulate his simple and humble life.

Right Reverend Daniel Allotey, Anglican Bishop of Cape Coast, said the late President brought qualitative democratic leadership to Ghana and likened him to Jesus Christ, who came to serve and not to be served and that he performed his duties diligently, faithfully and peacefully.

At exactly 14:15 GMT, a siren was sounded and followed by a minute silence which was observed to mark the time Late President Mills passed on amid shedding of tears by the crowd.

Mrs. Benyiwa Doe, Mrs Quarshie, representatives from the house of chiefs and political parties laid wreaths in front of a giant portrait of the late President placed by the side of the dais at the Jubilee Park.

The crowd later went on a procession through the principal streets of cape coast.