Ghanaians desert Kwame Nkrumah Circle to mourn the late President Mills

The usual heavy vehicular traffic at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle was absent on Friday, the burial day of President John Evans Atta Mills who died on July 24 at the 37 Military Hospital.

Pockets of pedestrians were seen walking along the pavements wearing red and black clothes.

At Obra Spot where a giant screen had been mounted, the few people who walked through the park stopped briefly to watch the live coverage of the burial service.

Those who stood longer to watch said the park was too dusty and the sun was out making viewing unpleasant.

Mr. Akwasi Owusu, a driver's mate, said he came to watch from the screen because he could not attend the burial service and had to work as well.

“Because it is not my turn to load, I feel I should come and watch the event,” he said.

Ms. Fatima Mohammed, a trader, said she came to display her wares, but was asked by the authorities not to sell until the service was over.

At the Circle Odorna trotro station many vehicles had parked with few passengers, trickling in to board the vehicles to their destinations.

There were some spinners at vantage spots who provided music to the few traders who were selling.

However, most shop owners and traders did not turn up for business, since the day was declared a public holiday.**