Aug 09, 2012 at 8:02am

Thousands of Ghanaians from all walks of life have been converging at the State House to pay their last respect to the late President John Evans Atta Mills on day two of the funeral rites observation.

Reports say hundreds have already gathered at the forecourt of the national edifice where the late Ghanaian political leader has been laid in state for the filing past formalities.

Some of the locals interviewed by Citifmonline.com claim they arrived at the venue as early as 2.30am to form a queue in order to leave on time to work Thursday. “I voted for President Mills and it’s only nice that I pay my last respect before he finally leaves this world,” Philomena Asantewaa said.

“I have been here since 4.00am and it’s worth it. I know I’ll keep long, but I’m ready to stay as long as it takes. Mills was a great man and we must all show him our last respect,” 20-year-old Francis Ankrah stated.

Tens of hundreds of people, including President John Dramani Mahama, Vice-president Kwesi Amissah-Arthur and their spouses filed past the mortal remains of the late president at the State House in Accra on Wednesday.

Others who have since filed past the body include his widow, Dr Ernestina Naadu Mills, his son Sam Fiifi Atta Mills, the clergy, ministers of state and Members of Parliament, the Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Ghana's two living former Presidents J.J. Rawlings and J.A Kufuor and their spouses, some members of the diplomatic corps, members of the NDC and NPP among several others.

A large crowd of mourners remained outside the State House throughout the night to hold vigil.

President Mills died at the 37 Military Hospital on July 24 after being taken ill. He was succeeded by his vice John Mahama the same day.



By Citifmonline.com/Ghana