The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mohammad Mumuni, has disclosed that Friday, August 10, 2012, which is the burial day for the late president of Ghana, Prof Evans Atta Mills, will be declared a national holiday.
This, according to him, would afford Ghanaians the opportunity to honor and attend the burial ceremony of the late president.
Mr. Mumuni made this known when he briefed heads of mission, international organizations and consulates accredited to Ghana on the arrangements put in place for the burial of the late Prof. Atta Mills, in Accra yesterday.
He said the funeral committee had submitted a letter to government in that regard and would soon release a statement to announce the holiday to all Ghanaians, adding that �I am sure the government will approve the recommendation made by the funeral committee and declare Friday, August 10, 2012 as a national holiday�.
Mr. Mumuni, who is a member of the funeral committee, could not confirm to DAILY GUIDE where the late president would be buried.
He was however optimistic that the venue for the burial would be officially announced soon so everybody should keep calm.
Briefing the heads of mission on the funeral arrangements made, he said the funeral of the late president would take place from Wednesday, August 8, 2012 to Friday, August 10, 2012.
Mr. Mumuni said on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, President John Mahama would do a public broadcast to herald the three days set aside for mourning of the late president.
On August 8, 2012, he said the body of the late president would be laid in state at the Banquet Hall, State House, for viewing, adding that there would be a vigil in the evening at the forecourt of the State House.
Mr. Mumuni said the viewing of the body would continue until Friday morning, August 10, 2012, adding that the burial service would take place at the Independence Square.
Ambassador Ken Kanda, Ghana�s Ambassador and permanent Representative to the UN, told DAILY GUIDE that invitations had been sent to all the 53 heads of state in Africa and some countries in Europe and Americas but they were yet to confirm their participation.
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