General News of Monday, 13 August 2012

Source: GNA

Mills' Last Words: ‘God, I Give It All To You.’

The late President John Evas Atta Mills, who was laid to rest on Friday at the Asomdwee (Peace) Park, off the Osu Castle Drive in Accra, submitted himself to God, before he drew his last breath on July 24, 2012.

Dr Cadman Atta Mills, the late President’s brother said on Friday, during the vote of thanks he rendered at the burial.

He said he was in no doubt that the late President Mills was resting in peace and asked for prayers for him.

Thousands of mourners including US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and a number of African Heads of State attended the state funeral that was organized for three days, with the third day being declared a national holiday for the burial service and ceremonies.

According to Dr Mills, who was also a member of the late President Mills Economic Management Team, President Mills’ final moments, were marked with a submission to his Maker.

He said President Mills raised his hand and said his last words: ‘God, I give it all to you.’

Dr Mills expressed appreciation to the numerous tributes that had come in since the death of the President.

President Mills, who was a former Vice President under the second term of former President Jerry Rawlings, from 1997 to 2000, ruled Ghana from January 7, 2009, to July 24, 2012.

The late President, according to a tribute brochure made available at the funeral, had written and signed a message to Ghanaians, christened “everlasting message” before his death.

The message read: “I came to serve; I have finished my time here on earth and have moved on to everlasting rest and celestial duties with my heavenly Father.

“As you leaf through these pages of my life’s story, I pray to God that it touches you in many positive ways.”

“Weep not; for I am not dead.”

“I am alive and awake in the Lord”

“Ghana will not die; Ghana will live to declare the works of the Lord.”

“As I rest in the perfect peace in the celestial realms with my Maker, I pledge to always uphold and defend the good name of Ghana”

“Remember the Lord in all your ways, and He will protect you”

“Stay well my brothers and sisters, for I will always be with you.”

President Mills was laid to rest in the newly created presidential mausoleum, with full military honours. Former President Rawlings was present at the graveside for the burial.

Ahead of his interment, the casket of the late President and Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces was draped in the Ghana national colours of red yellow and green, and placed on a gun carriage.

It then went on procession through some principal streets of Accra.

A helicopter hovered overhead with thousands of Ghanaians dressed in mourning cloths following the cortege before it ended at the Asomdwee Park, a bird sanctuary in between the Osu Castle and the Independence Square.

The casket containing the remains of the late President was lowered into the grave at exactly 15:15 hours and the burial ceremony ended with clerical prayer.