Konare lays wreath at Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum

President Alpha Oumar Konare, on Wednesday laid a wreath at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum on behalf the government and people of Mali and signed the book of condolence.

Vice President Aliu Mahama, who also signed the book, Foreign Minister Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, some ministers of his government and other officials accompanied Mr Konare. President Konare also toured the museum, which houses the personal effects and publications of Ghana's first president and pictures showing his life history.

Dr Nkrumah was re-interred in July 1992 on the grounds where he had proclaimed Ghana's independence on 6 March 1957. Under the reign of Dr Nkrumah, Ghana forged close ties with Mali and the two countries together with Guinea pioneered the process of integration in the West Africa sub-region.

The three countries formed the Ghana- Guinea -Mali Union in 1961. Historians say, though the union was short-lived, it set the pace for sub-regional integration and the creation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.

Mr Alex Amankwah, Officer in-charge of the Mausoleum, told Mr Konare that the mausoleum, said when the leaders of the nation decided to give Dr Nkrumah a fitting burial, they found the site, where he declared the liberation of Ghana and the entire continent most suitable. The internment took place 20 years after his death in Bucharest, Romania, in 1972.

The body is buried under a catafalque raised in the centre of the park. Dr Nkrumah had lived in exile in Guinea after his overthrow in February 1966, after being in power for nine years. Mr Amankwah said symbols, which reflect Ghana's culture and history were used to portray Dr Nkrumah's vision to promote the African personality. The full statue of Dr Nkrumah, wearing a cloth, in bronze is sited at the exact location where he proclaimed Ghana's independence.

The Mausoleum has a line-up of fountains and springs in the forecourt. The main way leading to the Mausoleum is flanked on either side by two springs. In each are seven statuettes of 'mmensoun' blowers, who seem to herald the arrival of kings, heads of state and other dignitaries, and they appear to sound the clarion call for the total emancipation of Africa.

Mr Amankwah said the design of the Mausoleum, which represents swords turned upside down symbolises peace. It can also be viewed as an uprooted tree to signify the unfinished work of Dr Nkrumah to totally unite Africa. President Konare, a historian and academic with special interests in museums, leaves Accra this afternoon at the end of a three-day state visit.

During his visit, the second to Ghana, he was honoured by the government for championing the cause of democracy in his country and his commitment to sub-regional integration when he was chairman of ECOWAS.