Grace Mugabe Embarrassed in Ghana

Zimbabwe Independent (Harare) -- FIRST Lady Grace Mugabe this week suffered an embarrassing moment in Ghana when she was barred from entering the late Sally Mugabe's home in Sekondi.

Ghanaian-born Sally was President Mugabe's first wife who died of a kidney ailment in 1992.

Mugabe's spokesperson George Charamba yesterday confirmed the incident but dismissed it as "nothing to write home about". He said the incident was a result of a misunderstanding between the presidential delegation and members of Sally's family. "There was a small misunderstanding between the presidential delegation and some family members of the late First Lady," said Charamba.

"You must understand that the president is a married man and what happened is a fairly normal tension in an African marriage."

Sources travelling with the president, who was in Ghana for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, say Mugabe on Tuesday took the opportunity to make a three-hour visit to Sekondi, the late Sally's birthplace, and laid wreaths at his late son's tomb at Kansaworodo near Takoradi.

When the presidential party arrived at Sally's home for a courtesy call, Mugabe's in-laws barred Grace from entering.

The sources said Mugabe held talks with Sally's relatives, including her mother Mavis Hayfron, but his wife was prevented from entering the home and was made to wait in the vehicle until Mugabe completed his visit.

"It was really embarrassing," sources said.

"They wouldn't let her enter the house. All attempts by dignitaries, including the local government, rural development and environment minister Steven Asamoah Boateng, to mediate, failed. The First Lady had to wait in the vehicle."

Mugabe later laid a wreath at the tomb of his son Nhamodzenyika who was born on September 27 1963 and died three years later on December 26 from cerebral malaria. Mugabe was accompanied by, among other high-ranking officials, Foreign minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and president of the senate Edna Madzongwe.