The body of the late former vice president Alhaji Aliu Mahama has arrived at the Independence Square where a funeral service is being held.

The funeral cortege arrived at about 0905 escorted by the military. The body in coffin draped in national colours was then wheeled by military pallbearers to the canopy erected at the Square and bedecked with flowers.

President John Dramani Mahama is leading the country at the funeral service.

Other dignitaries include Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, former President Jerry John Rawlings, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the Speaker of Parliament, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, ministers, senior government officials and many politicians from all political parties.

According to the funeral arrangements, the body would be flown to Tamale by noon for a State burial according to the wishes of his family.

“...All who wish to pay their last respects to Ghana’s longest serving Vice President at the Independence Square (on Sunday) morning are permitted to do so and should be seated by 8:30am,” a statement signed by Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Information the statement said.

The former vice president passed away on the morning of Friday, November 16, 2012 at the Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.