Accra, March 22, GNA - The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Thursday described the passing away of Hawa Yakubu, First Vice Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a great loss to the nation.

In a press release Prof. Mills expressed his sympathy to the children, family and New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the loss of Madam Yakubu, who passed away in a London hospital on Tuesday.

"I am deeply grieved at the loss of such a gem-of-a-politician who was rightly named the Iron Lady for her steadfastness and holding on to her beliefs no matter the odds," Prof. Mills said in the release signed by Mr Koku Anyidoho who is in- charge of communications at the Office of Prof. Mills.

"Ghana has certainly lost one of its female political icons and I wish to express my sincere sympathy to the children and family of the late Hawa Yakubu Ogede as well as the people of Bawku and hope that amidst the shedding of tears we would all take consolation in the fact that the woman who Allah made a part of us, left her footprints in the sands of time and would always be remembered for who she was and what she stood for."

Prof. Mills prayed that the good Lord Himself would find a peaceful resting place for Madam Yakubu.