Funeral Planning Committee expresses appreciation to Ghanaians

The Funeral Planning Committee (FPC) has expressed its heart-felt appreciation to Ghanaians “for their unprecedented turn-out and active participation” in the funeral and burial ceremonies of the nation’s President, Professor John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills.

The late President’s funeral and burial rites started from August 8th and ended on August 10th in Accra. He was buried at a specially designated burial ground between the Castle Drive and the Marine Drive now called the Asomdwee Park near the seat of Government.

A statement signed by James Agyenim-Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information on Saturday said, “The FPC also wishes to thank all those who organised and participated in vigils and symbolic funeral rites for Prof Atta Mills in the regions and districts throughout the country.”

In particular, it also thanked the entire clergy, the National Chief Imam, traditional rulers, the various choir groups, artistes, actors and actresses, who performed at various programmes, paramedics and all those individuals and organisations who provided ancillary services during the period.

The Committee also commended the media for the coverage they provided before, during and after the funeral and burial service.

“The massive turn out of people at both the State House and the Independence Square notwithstanding, the police, military and other security agencies were on top of their game and carried out their tasks to the admiration of all,” the statement said.

“The FPC therefore extends its appreciation to the Police Administration and Military High Command as well as the officers, women and men in uniform and others who were deployed to manage security throughout the period,” it said.

It also recognised corporate bodies, individual and anonymous donors for their contributions in kind and in cash towards the funeral.

The statement said the Committee had released regular updates on donations to the media through a number of press statements.

It said the FPC would hold a press briefing next week to update Ghanaians on matters pertaining to the organisation of the funeral.**