A sombre atmosphere has enveloped the Ayawaso East constituency as residents, political stalwarts, and family members are expected to gather today, Monday, January 5, to bid a final farewell to their Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama.

The veteran legislator passed away on Sunday, January 4, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital following a period of illness.

In a swift adherence to Islamic tradition, his burial rites are being conducted less than 24 hours after his transition, drawing thousands of mourners to the heart of Nima and Kanda.

The logistics for the funeral have been accelerated through high-level coordination.

Speaking on the arrangements, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso North, Yussif Jajah, revealed that a direct intervention from President John Dramani Mahama ensured that administrative hurdles at the mortuary were cleared quickly.

“As we speak now, we have brought the body home,” Mr. Jajah stated late Sunday evening, confirming that the remains had been returned to the family for the final rites.

The funeral proceedings are designed to honour the late MP’s deep roots within the community he served. The schedule for today is as follows:

• 10:00 AM – Janazah Prayers: The spiritual climax of the morning will take place at the Ayawaso East Constituency Office on the Kanda Highway.
• Officiating Clergy: In a testament to the late MP's standing, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, is expected to lead the Janazah (funeral) prayers.
• Interment: Immediately following the prayers, a procession will move toward the Madina Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest.

“God willing, tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock, prayers will be observed at the Kanda Highway where his constituency office is. His Eminence, the National Chief Imam, will lead the Janazah prayer,” Mr. Jajah explained.

Naser Toure Mahama was widely regarded as a grassroots general.

His tenure in Parliament was marked by his advocacy for urban renewal in Nima and his commitment to youth empowerment within the Zongo communities.

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command is expected to deploy personnel to manage the anticipated heavy traffic on the Kanda Highway and the roads leading to the Nima-Mamobi enclave. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes until mid-afternoon.

Across Nima, many constituents have described the late MP as a bridge-builder who maintained a humble presence despite his political stature.

The loss leaves a significant void in the Minority caucus in Parliament, as Naser Toure Mahama was seen as a vital link between the legislature and the bustling inner-city communities of Accra.