Accra, June 11, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings, his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and Professor John Evans Atta Mills, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday signed the book of condolence in memory of the late Madam Fathia Nkrumah in Accra.

The former President who stood before Fathia's picture observed a minute's silence and wrote in the book: "She was a befitting and elegant political partner and wife of our most revered leader. May her soul rest in peace."

Clad in black to signify the Ghanaian way of mourning, former President Rawlings said paying tribute to Madam Fathia would be meaningless if the country did not continue to struggle for the ideals that Dr Kwame Nkrumah stood for.

"As we mourn, we must consider how much effort we have put in as a country to ensure that the vision of Nkrumah would be watered to bear fruit."

He said it was in the cause to support such ideals that Madam Fathia together with her family had to endure challenges that spouses and relatives of political figures were often confronted with after the death of her husband.

The former President expressed his sympathy to the family, the Convention People's Party (CPP) and the nation as a whole for the loss. Prof. Mills said Madam Fathia's support to Dr Nkrumah's ideals for African unity must continue to bear signi7ficantly on the minds of all Ghanaians.

He described Madam Fathia as a woman of many qualities saying, "a nation that does not recognize the contribution of heroes (and heroines) is not worth dying for".

Nana Konadu also narrated her encounter with the first of Ghana's first ladies in 1982, when Madam Fathia came to her to inform her that she was relocating at Egypt.

She said she encouraged Madam Fathia to live up to the challenges and perform her role well as the mother of the nation. "We must use her death to re-unite as a country," Nana Konadu added.

Dr Edmund Delle, CPP Chairman who led the party's entourage, said Madam Fathia's death must empower all women to join the struggle for a united Africa to continue Nkrumah's legacy.

Professor Francis Nkrumah, eldest son of Dr Nkrumah, on behalf of the family expressed gratitude to the delegation for honouring the memory of Madam Fathia.

Among other members of the NDC present were Mr Doe Ajaho, Deputy Minority leader, Mr Victor Gbeho, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr Ato Ahwoi, former Energy Minister.

The CPP entourage included Mr George Aggudey, 2004 CPP flag bearer as well as other executive members of the party. Mr Sekou Nkrumah, son of Fathia, was also present.

Freddie Blay, First Deputy Speaker, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Public Sector Reform, Alhaji Asoma Banda, leading CPP member and Antrak Air Chair and several parliamentarians and individuals have also signed the book.

Madam Fathia died on May 31 in Cairo, Egypt after suffering a stroke.

Madam Fathia would be buried on Tuesday, according to a statement signed by Ms Rosemary Pabbi for the Director of State Protocol. Her mortal remains would be conveyed from the 37 Military Hospital to the forecourt of the State House at 0630 hours on Tuesday June 12. Between 0700 hours and 0900 hours Government officials, political party representatives, Ambassadors and High Commissioners and the general public would file past the body to be followed immediately by the funeral service.

Burial at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park would follow immediately after the memorial service during which the family, CPP officials, Government and other designated officials would read tributes in her honour.