Accra, Aug. 30, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Monday described the late Helena Dedo Mate, a former deputy Minister of Health in the Liman's Administration as a courageous woman, who ventured into party politics.

"I remember very well her activeness and articulation in which she injected into party politics that was seen as the preserve of only men."

Vice President said this when the family and members of the People's National Convention called on him to officially announce her death. The late Helena Dedo Mate, a veteran politician, died at age 68.

The family led by Okyeame Na Kuapoyu, chief of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, said the body would be transported to Agormanya in the Eastern region for wake-keeping on September 10, 2010, while burial would be on September 11.

Madam Mate, who was also the Vice Presidential candidate for Dr Edward Mahama in 2004, died on August 9, 2010 and would be buried in Agormanya in the Manya Krobo District in the Eastern Region.

The Vice President on behalf of government expressed condolences to the bereaved family and gave the assurance that government would be adequately represented at the funeral.

"I will forever remember the vigour and enthusiasm with which she campaigned throughout the country when she was made vice presidential candidate of the People's National Convention."

Also at the meeting were Alhaji Dr Ahmed Ramadan and Bernard Mornah, Chairman and General Secretary of People's National Convention respectively.