“May our departed President John Atta Mills have a peaceful rest in the Lord,” were the words inscribed by former President John Agyekum Kufuor in the book of condolence opened by the State for the late President John Evans Atta Mills at the State House in Accra on Wednesday.
Others who signed the book of condolence include New Patriotic Party flag bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Vice-President in the Kufuor administration, Alhaji Aliu Mahama.
Immediately after the signing the book of condolence, the NPP leaders and their entourage in a convoy went straight to the seat of government to commiserate with President John Dramani Mahama.
There was a heavy security presence made up of police and military police who lined up in front of the Banquet Hall which was draped in the national colours. Here a framed picture of the late President was surrounded by a bouquet of flowers.
President John Evans Atta Mills passed away on Tuesday, at 2.15pm at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
A few hours afterwards, the Vice-President John Dramani Mahama was sworn-in as President.
At the National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters, a book of condolence was also placed on a table wrapped in NDC Colours with a burning white candle in front of the late President’s framed photograph.
Adorned with a huge red band signifying that a great tree in the party had fallen, the party headquarters was a scene of sad-looking mourners who could not hold back their tears.
Dirges boomed from loud speakers placed at the frontage of the party headquarters at Kokomlemle in Accra.where the street in front of the building had been blocked to vehicular traffic due to the huge crowd thronging the headquarters.
Not even his numerous court cases pending before the law courts for allegedly defrauding the state, could prevent him from expressing his grief at the demise of his party leader, Mr Alfred Agbesi Woyome wrote, “May the good Lord grant you peace and rest.”
An Independent Presidential Candidate who contested President Mills in the 2008 presidential elections was also at the headquarters with his entourage and paid his respect writing “I wish to express my profound condolence to the family of our late statesman.”
Others who paid glowing tributes to the man who led the umbrella fraternity before his untimely demise were Mr Bede Zeideng, a former acting General Secretary of the NDC whose words were, “An example of humble and honest leader.”
Ras Mubarak, the NDC Parliamentary aspirant for Ablekuma North scribbled, “You spent your life keeping on for us. May your life’s work touch others.”
Mr. Francis Chilly Agbeibor, General Manager, Planning and Research Division of the Ghana Commercial Bank also wrote, “a very good and just man. God fearing sorely missed. R.IP”
Traditional authorities were not left out as the Queenmother of Shai with a handkerchief on her cheek paid her tribute and wrote, “May his soul rest in peace.” **
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