President Mahama lights perpetual flame

As the late President John Evans Atta Mills' days on earth reduces to a matter of hours, RadioXYZonline.com brings you updates of the significant activities to mark the day of his interment at the Geese Park.

11:44AM: Fante hymn delivered by the Mass Choir.


?11:40AM: Second Bible Reading by Her Ladyship Georgina Theodora Wood, Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, taken from Ecclesiastics 1:1-11.


11:38AM: Crowd sings hymn entitled "Captain of Israel's Host and Guide."


11:28AM: Dr. Cadman Atta Mills, brother of the late President pays tribute to his brother. The outpouring of grief for Ghanaians shows that he did his best despite having only 43 months to serve. Late President Mills's father and mother instilled various principles in him, honesty, humility. He was who he was because his parents were who they were. He demonstrated a great respect for all religions even though he was an avowed Christian. He called for support for the new generation whom he left the baton for (President Mahama). He pledged the support of the Mills family to ensure a free and fair election in the 2012 elections.


11:24AM: There is a hymn delivered by the Mass Choir


11:21AM: First Bible Reading delivered by Hon. Prof. Kofi N. Awoonor in Psalm 39:1-7


11:18AM: Muslim Prayer delivered by His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam. He prays for the soul of the late Presidents, prays for the current president Mahama and God's blessings for the country as a whole.


11:16AM: Opening hymn titled "Jesu Lover of My Soul" is sang by the mourners


11:13AM: Opening Prayer was delivered by Apostle Dr. Opoku Onyina. He prays for the bereaved family and thanked God for the live of the late President. He prays for God to console the wife and son of the late President.

11:10AM: Call to Worship is undertaken by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey.


11:07AM: President Mahama takes his seat for the ceremony to commence.


11:05AM: The perpetual flame (Eternal Flame of African Liberation) has been lighted by President Mahama.


11:03AM: His Excellency President John Mahama is the first to salute and bow to the casket as he files past it. He was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Blay and Inspector General of Police, Paul Tawiah Quaye.


11:00AM: The casket has been placed in the centre of the Spuare.


10:47AM: The remains of President Mills has arrived at the Independence Square as the cortege stops for the pallbearers to carry the casket to the centre of the Square.


10:42AM: Cortege is finally at the Independence Square for the official ceremony to commence


10:41AM: A battalion of soldiers with the Calvary Regiment lead the cortege to the entrance of the Independence Square.


10:35AM: President John Mahama arrives at the Independence Square. The national anthem is played to herald his arrival.

10:17AM: African Heads of State arrive and take their seats at the Independence Square


10:00AM: Thousands of people clad in black mourning cloths are waving at the cortege while many more wail and fly their handkerchiefs.


09:54AM: The cortege has started moving towards the Independence Square


09:51AM: The casket has been placed on the gun carriage as the procession begins


09:48AM: The pallbearers now carry the casket down the stairs to the cortege.


09:47AM: The casket is been wheeled to the entrance of the Banquet Hall


09:41AM: The Casket has been adorned with the flag of Ghana. The military personnel have lined up infront of the Banquet Hall preparing to salute the late President Mills.


09:40AM: Pallbearers have carried the casket containing the remains of the late President Mills. The cortege is ready at the front of the Banquet Hall ready for the procession to the Independence Square.


09:16AM: Former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan has also arrrived the ceremonial grounds

09:15AM: Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has arrived at the Independence Square.


09:10AM: President of Senegal Macky Sal has also paid his respects after filing past the remains of the late president.


09:05AM: President of Guinea, Alpha Conte paid his last respect


09:00AM: Former First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Naadu Mills has filed past the remains of her husband for the last time. She was accompanied by the MP of Ningo/Pampram E.T. Mensah and other family members.


08:43AM: Beninois President and Chairman of the AU, Dr. Yayi Boni has filed past the remains of President Mills. "President Mills was really humble". He recalled how he discussed the problems in Mali some few months ago. It is a very great loss for the continent, Benin and Ghana. "All my condolences to the people of Ghana."


08:34AM: A delegation for the EU said Ghanaians should be feeling proud of what they have achieved over the years even with the death of the president.


08:30AM: President Theodore Mbasongo of Equatorial Guinea says President Mills a true son of Africa who served his people diligently and that they are here to mourn with Ghana


08:17AM: President Allassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast speaks to the press after paying his last respect. He describes President Mills as a great leader and a friend of Ivory Coast.


07:80AM: The horses and their riders who will lead the cortege have also taken their positions.

07:55AM: The military guard have taken their positions infront of the Banquet Hall as the cortege prepares to move to the Independence Square.


07:30AM: Traditional leaders also pay the final respects before the body is conveyed to the Independence


07:25AM: Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, President of the Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace who is representing Pope Benedict XVI, has also paid his last respects.


07:20AM: A delegation from Sudan have been to view the remains of the President. Head of delegation congratulates Ghanaians for the democratic credentials


07:19AM: President Gnasingbe of Togo goes to pay his last respect with a a delegation. He describe the late President as a great statesman.


07:18AM: A military helicopter is flying around the State House as the casket of the President is prepared.


07:17AM: The Independence Square is virtually full as members of the general public make their way to the stands


07:00AM: Officials of the National Democratic Congress have also gone in to see the remains of the former President before the casket is brought.


06:00AM: Family of late President Mills have entered the banquet to pay their very final respect to their son.**