President Mahama commends political parties for participation in the funeral services

Cape Coast, Aug17, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama on Friday commended all political parties for participating in all the programmes leading to the final funeral rites of the late President, Professor John Evans Atta-Mills.

“I want to officially thank all the political parties for suspending their campaigns for the burial and final funeral rites of the late President”.

President Mahama said this when he addressed a durbar of chiefs and people of the Central Region in Cape Coast saying the tremendous outpouring of grief by people across the country and beyond was a clear indication that Prof Atta-Mills' leadership qualities endeared him to the hearts of many.

He was given a rousing welcome by the large crowd some of whom run helter- skelter to catch a glimpse of him amidst cheers and praises, giving security personnel a hectic time in controlling them.

On his entourage were Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Mike Hammah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Kwabena Adjei, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Ama Benyiwa-Doe, the Central Regional Minister.

He said the show of support, solidarity and unity with which Ghanaians mourned the late President was very much appreciated and announced that the Kotokuraba market project which was initiated by the late President will be completed in the coming weeks whilst the Chinese Government had also approved the financing of the Cape Coast Sports stadium of which government will soon cut the sod for commencement of work.

President Mahama appealed to the politicians to avoid insults and defamation in their campaign messages as that could not win them votes but rather incur the displeasure of the people.

He promised to complete all programmes and projects initiated by the late President and called on all to desist from politics of attacks and character assassinations.

“God will continue to be with all Ghanaians to have a peaceful and respectful election that will be admirable to all in Africa”.

Daasebre Kweebu Ewusi VII, President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, advised politicians to conduct their campaigns with decorum and respect that will unify the country after the December polls.

He also pledged the unflinching support of the Central Region to the government as it executes its constitutional mandate to bring growth and development to the entire nation.

GNA