Aliu Mahama laid to rest

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Created on Sunday, 18 November 2012 00:00

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Aliu Mahama laid to rest

18 November 2012

The remains of former Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama has been laid to rest in his birth place of Tamale in the Northern Region of Ghana.

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Joy News' Mohammed Hashmin reported that President John Mahama handed over the body to his family at his family home in the Kalpohyini Estate.

Hashmin said journalists were not allowed close to the grave yard, explaining that under Islamic law, it is improper for the burial to be telecast.

The reporter said the military lined up to pay their last respect before the late former veep was laid to rest.

A special prayer said after the burial of a Muslim will follow, Hashmin noted.

Earlier, exclusive Joy News visuals showed an ambulance carrying the body through some principal streets in Tamale. Large numbers of residents on motorbikes also followed the procession.

The remains of the former veep was taken to the Jubilee Park for some Islamic rituals upon arrival from Accra where a short memorial service was held in his honour.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, New Patriotic Party flagbearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his running mate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as well as a number of dignitaries were in the northern city for the burial.

Even though his grave was reportedly dug in a cylindrical shape and not the usual rectangular shape, he was buried in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Joy News' Gifty Andoh at Aliu Mahama's residence said "many are sad, every body wants to be part of the ceremony."

She said the former veep helped a lot of people who feel great pain at the loss.

Politicians are saying "this man did his politics in a dignified manner," Gifty reported, saying the scene is very chaotic and the police are trying to block people from entering the late veep's home.

At the graveside, traditional gunshots could be heard. A close family member explained the tradition was being observed because Aliu Mahama was a royal. He said the ritual included people walking over the grave of the late veep, signaling they are going to walk with him in the spiritual world.

From:Dorcas Efe Menssah/Joy News