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The Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has appealed to government to open the burial site of the late President John Mills for the public to pay their last respect.

Pratt indicated that the graveyard of a down to earth person like Professor Mills should not be a restricted area.

The late President who died on July 24, at the 37 Military Hospital was laid to rest at the Geese Park which was later christened Asomdwe Park to reflect his [Mills] persona.

The solemn burial ceremony was graced by foreign dignitaries and thousands of Ghanaians who thronged to the Independence Square to eulogize the late John Mills.

However, prior to the deceased President’s burial, many Ghanaians who queued for hours to file past his mortal remains which was laid in state at the Banquet Hall of the State House, missed the opportunity.

Speaking on Alhaji and Alhaji, a current affairs programme on Radio Gold Saturday, Kwasi Pratt said it would be expedient for the state authority in charge of the graveyard, to give an opportunity to majority of Ghanaians who did not see the mortal remains of the late John Mills, to visit the grave and do so.

According to him, the formality of the three days burial ceremony prevented a lot of people from paying their last respect and to show love to their departed President.

“I appeal to the authorities to ensure that the graveside of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills is open for ordinary citizens to go and show their love at least up to the 40 days if not forever [because], I know there are many people who want to go to his grave side to drop a flower in his memory and as a sign of gratitude for what he [Mills] has done for this country” he said.

Mr. Pratt commended the passionate and enthusiastic people who defied all odds and joined the long queue to catch a glimpse of the deceased President at the Banquet Hall.

“I saw ordinary people stricken by grief; weeping and wailing and I saw them run after the casket of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.” he said.

Commenting on lessons to be learnt from Atta Mills’ demise, the Insight Editor noted that, politicians must eschew needless vilification and insults for decorum to prevail in their electioneering campaign.

He added that the enduring and modest nature of the late President should be a model for all aspiring to the highest office of the land.

Kwesi Pratt was certain that Ghanaians will vote against any political party that resort to politics of insults and vilification.

“I believe that the people of Ghana in the coming days, months and years will sieve the chaff from the grain and they will do so by identifying those who think slander, vilification and lies are indeed effective weapons for politicking”.

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