The atmosphere at Burma Camp Thursday night was grief-stricken as various tributes were poured out in honor of the fallen solider, Major Maxwell Adams Mahama.
“Even though our brother and comrade has been called home to eternity, long-lasting memory of his short life, work and whatever he stood for will remain a cherished legacy for years to come.
Major Maxwell Adams Mahama displayed a high sense of duty and discharged his charge with enthusiasm,” portions of a tribute read by Major Eric Kojo Abiti, Operation Officer, 5 Infantry Battalion on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces during a vigil for Major Mahama said.
“He loved to swim, play tennis and football, during football games, Major Maxwell was our goal coacher and readily took out decisive penalties. Major Maxwell Mahama always told us that he knew he will be great one day but little did we know that his greatness will rather take this sad twist, you died fighting a worthy course and your heroic course will always remain in our hearts. The feeling of nostalgia and emptiness fill the hearts of the Arakan family as we mourn you. Farewell Comarade,” it added.
Captain Mahama, who was on Monday posthumously promoted to a Major upon the recommendation of Major General Obed Boamah Akwa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), commanded a detachment of army troops assigned to the Upper West Denkyira District to clamp down on illegal mining.
Reports suggest that the officer had gone on his early morning physical training in civilian clothing, jogging through the Diaso Township, when he was lynched and partly burnt by some youth of Denkyria-Obuasi who claimed they thought he was an armed robber.
A state burial service is expected to be held today at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra as directed by President Akufo-Addo.
The body of the deceased will be moved from 37 Military Hospital to Forecourt of State House for filing past. Burial Service commences at 7:10am.
Then procession to Osu Military Cemetery for internment after the burial service. Order of procession to the cemetery to be announced during the burial service. Funeral rites will be held at the Forecourt of the State House immediately after burial.
Thanksgiving service will be held at Light House Chapel International, Qodesh, North Kaneshie-Accra on Sunday 11th June at 10:30am while the final funeral rites will be held at Bole from, 13th – 15th June 2017 and Tumu from 16th – 18th June 2017 respectively.