Ramatu Aliu Mahama, widow of the former Vice President of Ghana, Aliu Mahama, has died aged 70.
POLITICS NIGERIA learned that Ramatu Mahama had been unwell for some time.
Hajia Ramatu died on Thursday afternoon in Accra, her son, Farouk Aliu Mahama, who is also the Member of Parliament for Yendi, announced.
“It is with deep sorrow, I announce the passing of my beloved mom, the former Second Lady of the Republic, Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama (neè Egala). She passed on peaceful in Accra at the Korlebu Teaching Hospital earlier this afternoon.
“The family has lost a great pillar. Burial and funeral rites would be conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions. Further information will be provided in due course,” Aliu Mahama wrote on his known social media page.
The deceased is expected to be transferred to Tamale today (Friday) for interment in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama was the daughter of the late Imoro Egala, a Minister for Trade and Industry and first Ghanaian chairman of COCOBOD, in the first republic and a long-standing political stalwart in Ghana through to the third republic; doubling as a founder of the PNP now PNC.
The late Hajia Ramatu Mahama left behind four children – Salma Mahama, Farouk Mahama, Fayad Mahama and Halim Mahama.
Reacting to Hajia Mahama’s exit, a presidential aspirant in the 2023 Nigerian elections, Dele Momodu wrote on his verified Facebook page: “I have received with so much sadness in my heart but with total submission to the will of ALLAH, the unfortunate death of HAJIA RAMATU ALIU-MAHAMA, wive of my very dear friend and Brother, the late Vice President of The Republic of Ghana ALHAJI ALIU MAHAMA… May ALLAH grant her Aljannah Firdaus. RIP.”
In a similar vein, the Second Lady of Ghana, Samira Bawumia, paid tribute to her late predecessor: “I am sad to learn about the passing of Former Second Lady Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama. Hajia was a mother to all and will be fondly remembered. May Allah grant her Jannatul Firdaus.”
Several other individuals have sent their heartfelt condolence messages and sympathy notes via social media.
