All public engagements at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) have been suspended in honour of the late Henry Ford Kamel, Volta Regional Minister who died on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25, 2012.

A regional thanksgiving service scheduled for December 30, in worship of God for his mercies for a successful and peaceful poll on December 7, this year, has also been postponed indefinitely.

Mr Henry Ametepe, Deputy Volta Regional Minister announced these in an interaction with a visibly puzzled media corps, which called at the offices of VRCC in Ho, on Thursday.

He said the VRCC had opened a book of condolence at the Regional Administration in honour of Mr Kamel beginning from today, Thursday, December 27.

Mr Ametefe said reports in sections of the media indicating that the late Mr Kamel slumped while talking to him (Ametefe) on phone were totally false.

He said he spoke with the late Mr Kamel between 0950 and 1010 hours that Friday before leaving for church and had information of Mr Kamel’s death at about 1100 hours when he closed from church.

“I am seriously opposed to such reports,” Mr Ametefe stated, urging the media to be “circumspect in these challenging times”.

“It is very sad to lose a loved one and you the media must be circumspect in your reportage, respecting the sensibilities of family, friends and colleagues of the late Minister", he advised.

Mr Ametepe earlier briefed some traditional authorities and the clergy about the death of Mr Kamel and called for their support and prayers.

He said Mr Kamel’s family and government were working together to give him a befitting burial.

The Right Reverend Francis Amenu, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian (E.P) Church on behalf of the clergy expressed condolences to Mr Ametepe, staff of the VRCC and the family of Mr Kamel for the happening, asking them to be “strong.”

Meanwhile, staff of the RCC showed up Thursday morning at their offices mainly in mourning clothes.

The VRCC office blocks and vehicles are also draped in red.