The mortal remains of former Ghanaian Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Mustapha Ahmed will arrive in the country for burial with full military honors on Sunday, his family announced in a statement.
Dr. Ahmed, who also served as Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso East , will be laid to rest with ceremony befitting his previous service in the Ghanaian military as a dentist.
In a statement, the family said Dr. Ahmed’s remains will arrive on Saturday ahead of a funeral service and burial scheduled for Sunday in Accra.
“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 family’s statement said.
“On Sunday, his body will be taken to the National Mosque in Kanda for prayers before burial in a military cemetery. “
High-ranking officers will attend the honors for the late statesman on Sunday.
The former Minister of Sports and lawmaker died at age 63 while undergoing medical treatment in India earlier this week.
He served as Minister of Sports in 2015 amongst other public offices, under the Mahama administration.
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 preparation in accordance to Islamic tradition, and Sunday’s ceremony by the Military will commemorate a pillar of Ghanaian society now lost.
