DAY 3: Accra turned ghost city as thousands thronged Independence Square

Late President Mills

The communities within the Ghana capital, Accra have virtually turned into ghost cities as thousands thronged to the Independence Square, the venue for the final funeral rites of the late president John Evans Atta Mills is taking place.

Three days of lying in state and mourning of the late Professor Mills by the state has resulted in absolute calmness and togetherness of all people of different political ideology and beliefs.

A trip throughout the Ghanaian capital has seen virtually no activities as residents close their shops in memory of the Ghanaian leader.

Accra is noted for bumper–to-bumper vehicular traffic, significantly on Fridays. But today is a different story as all the notable traffic prone routes have eased dramatically.

The Spintex roads, the south eastern part of Accra with its daily go slow have seen a few vehicles plying the road, thereby making the route free.

Okaishie, business hub in the centre of the capital, Accra, has seen little activities as hawkers; traders and take a break to mourn with the departed leader of Ghana, John Evans Atta Mills.

It is expected that over 50,000 people and dignitaries would be attending the final funeral ceremony at the Independence Square whiles giant screens are mountedat vantage points within the capital to enable mourners watch the event.

Among the dignitaries to participate the funeral at the Independence Square include, the President of the republic, John Dramani Mahama, his vice, Amisah Arthur, former presidents John Kufuor and Jerry John Rawlings. The rest are Ministers of state,

Parliamentarians, Chief Executives of various institutions, Chiefs and traditional rulers, Heads of religious organizations.

Other foreign dignitaries attending the ceremony include Hilary Clinton, Secretary of State of US, President of the AU, Chairman of ECOWAS, presidents of West African states and delegation from other African nations.

Patrick Kwame Abrokwah-Djampem/ghanadistricts.com