The memorial service for the late President Prof John Evans Atta Mills at the Asomdwee Park in Accra took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, July 24.
Disagreement erupted when the dismissed deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Koku Anyidoho exceeded his allotted time, causing a delay in the second NDC event scheduled to commemorate 12 years since President Mills’ passing.
The event was meant to feature two wreath-laying ceremonies in memory of the late former President who passed away at the 37 Military Hospital in 2012. However, the first event organized by Mr. Anyidoho ran overtime, leading to a delay in the second event organized by the NDC and the JEA Mills Memorial Heritage.
According to the late President’s brother, Samuel Atta-Mills, Mr. Anyidoho brought in individuals he falsely claimed were family members and instructed them to remain at the venue, hindering the NDC from proceeding with its program as planned.
In an interview with JoyNews’ Maxwell Agbagba, Mr. Atta-Mills, who also serves as the MP for Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem constituency in the Central Region, alleged that Mr. Anyidoho is receiving support from powerful individuals. He warned that political power is transient and that Mr. Anyidoho’s backers will eventually lose their influence.
The incident was further condemned by the sister of former President Atta Mills, Mercy Araba Ahema Quarshie, who described it as distasteful and disgraceful. She clarified that the individuals causing the disruption were not actual relatives of the late President.
The event, meant to honor the memory of President Mills, was marred by controversy and discord, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the NDC and the challenges in organizing commemorative events.
