Ghana’s political elite and ordinary citizens have commiserated with Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the death of his mother, Hajia Mariama Bawumia.
Hajia Mariama passed on in the early hours of Monday after a short illness at age 82.
She was buried yesterday according to Islamic custom in Walewale where representatives of various political parties, religious leaders and traditional authorities gathered to bid farewell to the departed mother of the Vice President.
A short statement from Dr Bawumia on Monday indicated his mother passed away peacefully.
The National Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay; General Secretary John Boadu, National Organizer, Sammi Awuku and other bigwigs of the NPP were at the funeral grounds in Walewale.
Other dignitaries included the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osumanu Nuhu Sharubutu, Majority leader in Parliament Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu, Interior Minister Ambrose Dery, Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State, CEOs, MMDCEs, Members of Parliament and members of the opposition NDC; Chairperson and leader of the CPP, Nana Akosua Frimpong Sarpong Kumakuma.
Akufo-Addo’s tribute
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo called at the residence of the Vice President to console him after news of the death became public.
Commiserating with Dr. Bawumia, the President wrote in the condolence book opened for Hajia Mariama.
“My wife Rebecca and I came to express our condolences and sympathies to the Vice President and his family at the sad loss of his mother.
“She was a delightful and courteous lady who looked after us very well at the occasions that we met her here and at Walewale.
“We ask for God’s blessing on her and for a peaceful rest in His bosom. May her soul be at peace”, he added.
President Akufo-Addo was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, government officials and some New Patriotic Party top party stalwarts.
Mahama consoles Bawumia
Former President John Dramani Mahama also joined in expressing his sympathies to Vice President Bawumia.
He tweeted on Monday morning, “I just got off the phone with my brother, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to console him and the entire family on the loss of their mother, Hajia Mariama Bawumia earlier this morning.”
NPP’s condolences
The governing NPP also expressed shock and sadness at the news of the death and sent the party’s heartfelt condolences to the Vice President and his family.
A statement issued by the party’s General Secretary, John Boadu, said, “The Party extends its deepest sympathies to His Excellency the Vice President and the bereaved family as well as the good people of Walewale for this great loss.
“May Almighty Allah (Subhaana hu wa ta a’ala) bless and have mercy on her soul, amplify her good deeds, forgive her sins and grant her Jannatul-Firdaws.”
Hajia Mariama, he said, had not only been a motherly figure and a great source of inspiration to her children but also the people of North East and members of the NPP tradition.
Speaker Bagbin’s sympathies
Speaker of Parliament Alban S.K. Bagbin, on behalf of Parliament and his good self, expressed his deepest condolences to Dr. Bawumia on the passing into eternity of his good mother.
According to him, a mother’s love is intense and inestimable and therefore understands the emotional implications of the sad news.
“I encourage you and your family to stay strong during these difficult times as you give your beloved mother a fitting farewell. Rest assured that the Parliament of Ghana is available to offer whatever support you might require to help ease the burden of this loss.”
“I pray for forte and Allah’s mercies for you and your family throughout this period of mourning. Once again, do accept my condolences,” he said in a statement issued by Parliament.
Alan grieved
Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, in a Facebook post, expressed his sadness over Hajia Mariama’s death.
“I have learned with shock and sadness the passing into eternity of Hajia Mariama Bawumia, mother of H.E Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic.”
“My wife, Patricia, and l extend our deep sympathies to Dr. Bawumia, his wife Samira, and the rest of the family,” he said.
