Accra, Aug 7, GNA – Commodore Stephen Obimpeh (rtd), Senior Presidential Staffer and a member of the Funeral Planning Committee, said on Tuesday that the Independence Square would be ready by the close of the day for the funeral of President John Evans Atta Mills.
He told the GNA that he was not sure of the number of people expected at the ceremony but stated that canopies mounted on the ground and the eight pavilions at the Square could take more than 20,000 people.
Commodore Obimpeh said a special place would be designated for the media Ghana Television (GTV) would be allowed a space at the VIP stand to cover fully the whole programme.
According to the funeral programme made available to the Ghana News Agency, the casket containing the body of the late President would be handed over to the family to perform customary rites at 15 hours on Wednesday, August 8.
At 1600 hours the casket would be opened for President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur and other state officials, members of the Council of State and representatives of political parties to pay their last respects.
Afterwards, the public would be given the opportunity to file past the casket.
On Wednesday evening, there would be musical and cultural displays at the forecourt of the State House.
Public viewing of the body would resume at 0600 hours on Thursday, August 9 and the evening will be dedicated to reading of tributes and an all-night prayer service.
On Friday, August 10, the family of the late President will perform the final rites after which the military will convey the casket to the Independence Square for the burial service.
Before start of the service, President Mahama and visiting Heads of State will pay their final respects to the late President. President Mahama will also light the perpetual flame.
After the service, the casket will be taken through some principal streets of Accra to afford Ghanaians the opportunity to pay their final respects.
GNA
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