Aug 03, 2012 at 3:41pm

The Independence Square also known as the Black Star Square has been set as the venue for the funeral ceremony of the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

According to the Funeral Committee set up to oversee a successful burial, the venue was chosen to accommodate the huge crowd that would throng to the grounds.

In a move to control crowd as well as reduce heavy vehicular traffic, giant screens will be mounted at vantage points including the Accra and El-wak Sports stadia for the general public to have a feel of what is taking place at the main grounds.

At a press briefing on Friday, the Chairman of the Funeral Committee, Totobi Quakye in outlining the arrangements stated that due to the lack of foresight, the committee experienced challenges in planning the funeral but was quick to add that the committee made its possible best to make the arrangements successful.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

The Casket containing the remains of President John Mills will be conveyed to the State House at 3pm on August 8 where the family will be there to receive the body as custom demands.

President John Dramani Mahama will be the first to pay his last respect to the late President John Mills followed by the Vice President.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of States will then proceed to file past the body till 5pm after which the general public will be allowed to pay their respect to the late President.

A vigil will be held on the evening of the Wednesday till 12 midnight when the vigil will officially end.

Mr. Quakye, however, explained that persons who would wish to continue with the vigil will be allowed to do so.

On Thursday, August 9, 2012, the public viewing of the body of the late President Mills will resume.

Persons to file past the body on this day include the National House of Chiefs and other identifiable groups in the country.

In the evening, a night of tributes and prayers will be organized in honour of President Mills.

On this day, the public viewing will end at 12 midnight.

Then on Friday, August 10 which is also the burial day of President Mills, a traditional farewell ceremony will be held at the Banquet Hall in Accra.

Then the casket containing the President’s remains will be carried to the Black Star Square where the funeral church service will also be held.

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist church of Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante will preside over the service.

Visiting Heads of State will on this day be given the opportunity to file past the body of the Late President Mills.

The burial will take place at a specially designated place in between Castle Drive and Marine Drive in Accra.

According to the Chairman, no event or thanksgiving service has been planned as yet but a decision will be taken when necessary.

The Ghana Police Service also gave the assurance that they would ensure absolute law and order during the occasion and asked the general public to cooperate and adhere to the arrangements given.



By: Efua Idan Osam/Citifmonline.com/Ghana