Hundreds of mourners from Bolgatanga and surrounding areas thronged the Saint John’s park last night to pay their last respects to the late Dr. Hilla Limann, President of the third republic. The funeral cortege arrived from Tamale at 1840 hours and was escorted by regional executives of the People’s National Convention (PNC) to the park where the body was laid in state. Security personnel had a tough time keeping order as a huge crowd filed past the casket amidst a fusion of traditional drumming and brass band music. Among the dignitaries who turned up to pay their last respects were Mr. Donald Adabere, Upper East Regional Minister, and Chief Executives from all the six districts of the region. Dr Edward Mahama, PNC flagbearer in the 1996 elections, explained that the choice of a people’s funeral by the bereaved family was to afford the majority of Ghanaians an opportunity to catch the last glimpse of their departed ex-president. He said stopping at major towns on the road was a better option for most people who would not have been able to afford the cost of travelling to Accra to attend a state burial at this time of economic hardship. Tributes were read by individuals and groups including Dr. Mahama, Col. (RTD) Zanlerigu, a minister in the third republic, Alhaji Rahimu Gbadamoshie, the Sisila Union, the Northern Forum and students of the University of Development Studies. The cortege left 0600 today for Navrongo en route to Gwollu, Dr. Limann’s hometown, where he was laid to rest at midnight on Saturday.
