The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday extended its condolence to the family of the former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama.

The party also expressed its sorrow to New Patriotic Party, NPP for the death of Alhaji Mahama at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

“In this moment of grieve, the NDC appeal to all Ghanaians to join the government and the NPP to console the bereaved family of the former Vice President,” the NDC stated.

A statement issued by Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, NDC General Secretary and copied to the Ghana News Agency said: “We received the news of Alhaji Aliu’s demise with a shock, after strenuous efforts by doctors at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to help resuscitate and improve his health condition described… as critical.

“It was with great regret that we as a party learned of the passing of former Vice President Aliu Mahama; the NDC and the entire nation is traumatised and heartbroken in view of the fact that his death followed barely five months after the nation lost the former President and leader of the NDC, Professor John Evans Atta Mills.

“Alhaji Aliu Mahama was one of the finest and highly respected figures in Ghanaian politics and, shared some character similarity and traits of former President Mills.”

The NDC noted that former Vice President Mahama was humble, religious and tolerant which earned him admiration from both the young and old across the country’s political divide.

“Alhaji Aliu Mahama will be remembered for his statesmanship and years of dedicated service to Ghana.

“At this time of national mourning, NDC renews its commitment to work alongside the family, the NPP to give the former Vice President a befitting burial.

“It is a great loss to Ghana and the whole nation is in mourning; our heart goes out to his wife, Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama, his immediate family, and the rest of the nation.”

The NDC urged Ghanaians to hold together as one people in this time of grief “and let our common love for country and humanity guide us”.

Alhaji Mahama passed away at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on Friday, November 16 after a short illness.