The number one citizen of Ghana yesterday suffered a worrying traffic jam and was held up in a pool of cars for more than half an hour when he was on his way to the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra to address Muslims during the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
President Atta Mills stunned a highly-depleted crowd when he appeared late in an all white Muslim attire after trekking through the jammed traffic on foot, abandoning the presidential fleet of four BMWs and one four wheel drive on the street. Scheduled to arrive at the venue by 10:25am, the President came 50 minutes late at exactly 11:15am, walking majestically whilst waving and shaking hands with the few of the Muslim worshipers who had converged early at El-Wak the Eid prayers had to leave the place, having waited patiently in the scorching sun for sometime without the appearance of the President.
Not even the frequent announcements by the loud Master of Ceremony (MC) on the day that their special guest had been caught up in heavy traffic could assuage the feelings of the worshippers as a number of them walked away, grumbling in dejection.
When President Mills finally arrived, he apologized to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Council of Muslim Chiefs, former Vice President, Aliu Mahama, Ministers of State, Member of the Diplomatic Corps and the sparse crowd, confirming he had been stuck in heavy traffic and had moved out of his car to walk to the venue.
Giving a short extemporaneous address, President Mills commended Muslim for fasting or 30 days in self-denial, praying for their spiritual upliftment, the unity and peace; and the progress of the country. He gave the assurance that he will work hand-in-hand with the National Chief Imam, Council of Muslim Chiefs among others to improve the lot of Ghanaians especially those in the Muslim Community.
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