Accra, May 31 GNA - The Central Committee of the Convention People's Party (CPP) on Thursday said it had learnt with shock the death in Cairo, Egypt of Madam Fathia Nkrumah, wife of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, founder of the party and Ghana's first President.

A statement issued and signed by Professor Nii Noi Dowuona, General Secretary, said the party was aware of Madam Fathia's ill health but little did members expect her departure so soon. "Her death is indeed a great loss to the Nkrumah political family."

In a short tribute, the committee recalled the great pain she had to endure with the tragic separation from Osagyefo following the violent and reactionary coup of 1966.

It said Madam Fathia and her children did not meet Dr Nkrumah again but rather suffered another grief and anguish as a widow with the death of the husband in 1972.

In all these tragic circumstances, Madam Fathia displayed a great sense of tenacity and fortitude as a mother and an ardent supporter of the Nkrumaist agenda.

"The Committee wishes to convey to the children and the family its heartfelt condolences in this sad moment of grief and sorrow" the statement added.

To celebrate the life of this noble woman of the political family, all Nkrumaists will gather at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park on Friday, June 1, 2007 at 15.30 hours for a solemn wreath laying ceremony, the statement added.