Accra, July 21, GNA – The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has refuted claims that it has desecrated the mortal remains of former President John Evans Atta Mills.
The Authority said it had liaised with relevant State institutions in charge of State monuments before embarking on renovation works at the Asomdwe Park and that the grave of the former President was not opened.
In a release issued to the Ghana News Agency on Thursday, in Accra, it said, “we wish to state that the grave was not opened and, therefore, no desecration of the body of the former President, H.E John Evans Atta Mills, has taken place.”
The statement followed allegations that the tomb had been tampered.
It said the Authority, acting upon a directive from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, prioritised the renovation of the burial grounds of the late Professor and had liaised with relevant State institutions before commencing the renovation works.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the scope of works funded by CODA include the redesigning and construction of ICT lab, library, cafeteria and artifact buildings, construction of a concrete shed and replacement of alucobond panels over tomb of the Late President, construction of fence wall and two restrooms for security staff, construction of entrance for General Public & VIPs, paving of 50-metre walkway to and around the tomb with porcelain tiles, all completed.”
The release added that asphalting of driveway to general entrance, landscaping of general area around the tomb was ongoing.
It assured Ghanaians that the project, which continued to be a top priority for CODA, was well on schedule and would be handed over to the Office of the President for official commissioning once completed.
GNA