Mahama leads final farewell for Cecilia Johnson at State House funeral

President John Dramani Mahama on Friday joined thousands of mourners in Accra to honour the late Cecilia Akua Pokuaa Johnson, former Chairperson of the Council of State.

The president was accompanied by the First Lady, Lordina Mahama to the forecourt of the State House where the state funeral was held.

Mrs Johnson, celebrated for her decades of public service, was the first General Secretary of the 31st December Women’s Movement and the National Democratic Congress’ first National Women’s Organiser.

Her political career later saw her serve as Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development before becoming the substantive sector Minister.

The President’s tribute, delivered on his behalf by Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawa Mogtari, described Mrs Johnson as a patriotic figure whose leadership shaped national development.

In the tribute, she said: “Today, we gather in dignity and gratitude to honour a remarkable daughter of Ghana—Mrs Cecilia Johnson.”

The statement added: “A life anchored in service, Madam Cecilia stood tall in an era when leadership demanded both backbone and heart.”

It continued with the reflection, adding that the former government official “believed that good governance begins with listening and that consensus is not weakness, but wisdom.”

High-profile mourners from state institutions, political parties and traditional councils joined the ceremony to celebrate her legacy.

Among them were Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Acting Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and Council of State Chairman Edward Doe Korbly Adjaho, all of whom paid respects to the former presidential advisor and stateswoman.

They were accompanied by key figures of the governing National Democratic Congress, including Party Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.

Also present was the Nungua Mantse, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, representing the traditional leadership that had long worked with Mrs Johnson in various national and community development initiatives.

Mourners from across the country filled the ceremonial grounds to view the casket, acknowledge her contributions to women’s empowerment and honour her work in democratic governance.

Many recalled her influence within the 31st December Women’s Movement, particularly her role in expanding grassroots mobilisation and supporting women in leadership.

The ceremony marked a moment of national reflection on the public achievements of Mrs Johnson, widely regarded as a committed advocate for consensus-building and institutional strengthening.

Her service across administrations earned her recognition as one of the enduring figures in Ghana’s political evolution.