Accra, Feb. 10, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday expressed his deepest sympathy and condolence to the family of the late Kofi Ghanaba, describing him as "a great son of mother Ghana". He also expressed sympathy to all Ghanaians on the loss of Ghanaba who was a musician, drummer and a poet.

"Our condolences go to Ghanaians in general for the loss of our son," President Atta Mills said when a delegation of Ghanaba, formerly known as Guy Warren, called on him at the Castle, Osu, to inform him of his death and funeral arrangements.

The President said Ghanaba, who distinguished himself with his music, was forthright and outspoken, forthright about Ghana, believed in tradition and stuck to his traditional convictions. He described him as a patriot, trailblazer and son of Ghana, saying that at the time when many people did not know about Ghana, Kofi was making waves about his motherland in the USA. He made great use of his talent, President Atta Mills noted, saying people who associated with him should consider it as great privilege.

The delegation led by Nana Bram Okai III, Municipal Chief Executive for Ga West Assembly, said Ghanaba was born in 1923 and lived for 86 years. He lived in the Ga West Municipality for over 30 years. He recalled that Ghanaba excelled in journalism when he was working with a newspaper called Africa Speaks America Listens. He informed the President that his burial would take place on March 12, 2009 at Korleman, near Samsam Junction on the Accra-Nsawam Road.