Vice President, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has directed that all flags in the country should fly at half mast in honour of Nelson Mandela, former South African President who passed away on Thursday.

In a release issued Friday evening from the Flagstaff House, the Vice President said the directive is "a mark of respect and in honour of the Madiba". Flags will fly at half mast until December 15, 2013.

"Mr Mandela's death marks the end of an ara; an era of freedom fighters like Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyetta and Julius Nyerere", the release stated..

Below is the unedited press release:

VICE PRESIDENT DIRECTS ALL FLAGS TO FLY AT HALF MAST IN HONOUR OF NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA 

The Government and people of Ghana have learnt with great sadness the death of Mr Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa.

An epitome of forgiveness and healing, Mr Mandela was an amazing and remarkable icon in the struggle for the liberation of his people and our continent. He will be remembered for his humility, sacrifice and service to humanity.

From the start of his fight for the freedom of Blacks in South Africa through his 27 years in prison, to his Presidency of a free democratic non-racial South Africa, Mr Mandela showed deep commitment to the ideals of justice, fairness and equality. He was an inspiration to the world as he served his nation and continent well.

On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, Vice President K. B. Amissah-Arthur wishes to convey his deepest sympathies to the Mandela family, the Government and people of South Africa as well as Mr Mandela's admirers around the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this moment of grief.

Mr Mandela's death marks the end of an ara; an era of freedom fighters like Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyetta and Julius Nyerere.

As a mark of respect and in honour of the Madiba, Vice President, Mr Amissah-Arthur has directed that all flags in the country fly at half mast until Sunday, 15th December, 2013 when Mr Mandela is laid to rest.

Signed:

JAMES AGYENIM-BOATENG [PRESIDENTIAL STAFFER]

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT'S SECRETARIAT FLAGSTAFF HOUSE ACCRA

[FRIDAY, 6th DECEMBER, 2013]