The mortal remains of former Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mustapha Ahmed will be repatriated for burial this weekend from India, where he died this week at 63, his family announced Thursday.
In their public statement released on Friday, the family of Dr. Mustapha announced that his remains will arrive on Saturday for an imminent burial service.
Dr. Ahmed, prior to joining politics, worked in the military as a dentist, showcasing his commitment to serving Ghana in various capacities.
And high-ranking members of Ghana’s military are expected to attend the honours ceremony for the NDC stalwart, who served the country in different capacities at differnt stages of his life.
“The body of our late brother, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed, who passed away in India on Wednesday, February 8th, 2023, will be flown to Ghana on Saturday, February 11th, 2023,” the statement said.
“On Sunday, February 11, 2024, the body will be brought to the National Mosque in Kanda from the 37 Military Hospital Mortuary, where burial prayers will be observed immediately after the Zuhur (noon) prayer.
“The body will then be taken to the military cemetery behind the Ghana Trade Fair Centre for internment. If you want to take part in the burial prayer, then be at the National Mosque in Kanda by noon, In Shaa Allah.
“Family members and other mourners and well wishers who want to meet Bissa elders can come to the deceased’s residence in Spintex, Flowerpots in Accra.”
The repatriation of his body to his native Ghana on Saturday will allow Dr. Ahmed to be memorialised by mourners in his homeland, including many from northern Ghana’s Bissa community, who considered him their chieftain.
Dr. Ahmed, who served as Minister of Sports in 2015 amongst other public offices, had travelled to India for medical treatment before his sudden passing.
Well-wishers have been visiting the family home in Accra’s Spintex neighbourhood to pay respects ahead of his weekend funeral.
The shocking death of the community chieftain and much-loved minister while seeking treatment in India has dismayed many of his fellow countrymen.
While Ahmed served just 8 months as Minister of Sports before a presidential regime change in 2017, his selfless legacy left an imprint. Prior stints ranged from Minister of State at the Presidency to over a decade as a Member of Parliament in the Ayawaso East and North.
As Ghana grieves, the repatriation of Ahmed’s remains will provide some closure. The native son’s homecoming on Saturday will allow for public visitations, and Sunday’s funeral will commemorate a pillar of Ghanaian society now lost.
Story by Abdul Malik.
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