Joseph Henry Mensah
THE MORTAL remains of the late statesman, Joseph Henry Mensah, are expected to be laid to rest today at the new Military Cemetery, in Accra.
A press release issued by the General Secretary of New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu announcing the funeral arrangements, said Mr. Mensah is going to be given a State Burial on Friday, August 17, 2018 at the forecourt of the State House.
President of the Republic, Nana Akufo-Addo, his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as well Ghana’s former presidents, Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, and John Dramani Mahama, leadership of the NPP and representatives of the various political parties, members of the diplomatic corps, among others, are billed to be in attendance.
Funeral Details
According to the release, at about 6:00am this morning, “his remains shall be laid in state at the International Conference Centre for the general public to file pass.”
It said “this shall be followed by a Memorial Service to be observed at the same venue,” noting that burial shall take place at the new Military Cemetery and that “thereafter, the final funeral rites shall be held at the forecourt of the State House.”
Yesterday, Thursday August 16, there was a Church Service at about 6pm at Christ the King Parish, Accra, in memory of the former astute politician.
The veteran politician and a founding member of the NPP, J.H. Mensah, was born in October 1928 in then Gold Coast now Ghana, and passed away on July 12, 2018 at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
During his political career, he served in various capacities; notable among them being holding three different ministerial positions under the John Agyekum Kufuor administration.
The late Mensah who passed on at age 89, was a former Minority leader and a Majority leader and held his last top government position in 2005 when he was appointed Senior Minister by ex-President Kufuor.
His family, who had earlier called on the leadership of the NPP, are also due to be in attendance today to pay him the last respect.
BY Melvin Tarlue