Nii Lante Vanderpuye, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has condemned the government and Koku Anyidoho over the disarray that marred the memorial service for the late President John Evans Atta Mills. The event, meant to honor the memory of the former president on the anniversary of his passing, was overshadowed by controversies and disruptions. Vanderpuye, a former Minister of Youth and Sports, expressed his outrage at the handling of the memorial service, which he described as a disrespectful debacle. He criticized the government for failing to ensure a smooth and respectful commemoration, accusing them of negligence and insensitivity to the legacy of the late president.“Atta Mills was a man of peace and dignity. It is disgraceful that his memorial service was allowed to descend into chaos. This government has shown a lack of respect for his memory and for the people of Ghana who came to pay their respects,” Vanderpuye stated. His critique did not spare Koku Anyidoho, the former Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, who is now the founder of the Atta Mills Institute. Vanderpuye accused Anyidoho of politicizing the event and creating unnecessary tensions, which contributed to the disorderly scenes witnessed during the memorial.“It is disappointing to see someone who once served under President Mills exploit his memory for personal and political gain. Anyidoho’s actions were a major factor in the chaos that occurred. He must take responsibility for his role in this shameful episode,” Vanderpuye charged. The memorial service, which took place at the Asomdwee Park in Accra, was intended to be a solemn and reflective event. However, it was disrupted by disputes over the organization and conduct of the ceremony. Eyewitnesses reported heated exchanges and confrontations among attendees, detracting from the purpose of honoring the late president. Vanderpuye’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about the politicization of memorial services and the need for unity and respect in honoring the legacies of national figures. Many Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their disappointment and call for more dignified and inclusive commemorations in the future. In response to the criticisms, government officials have acknowledged the issues and pledged to address them in future memorials. Meanwhile, Anyidoho has defended his actions, insisting that his intentions were to honor President Mills and that the disruptions were beyond his control. As the debate continues, the chaos surrounding Atta Mills’ Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the need for harmony and respect in remembering the leaders who have shaped Ghana’s history.
