The death of the former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings remains a shock to many Ghanaians with many battling to come into terms with his sudden demise. JJ Rawlings fell ill after his mother’s funeral, about three weeks ago.
People in shock, doubts and tears trooped to his house at Ridge to confirm his demise. The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo in a press statement confirmed his demise. President Nana Akufo-Addo said: “A great tree has fallen, and Ghana is poorer for this loss.”
Since his passing on Thursday, November 12 2020, at Korle-Bu hospital in Accra, after a short illness, his political party, National Democratic Party (NDC) and the people of Keta in the Volta Region where his mother comes from, held a candlelight vigil in honour of the late President Jerry John Rawlings.
The family said there are speculations that their beloved one died from COVID19 but the family has made the clarification on the cause of death. They don’t want him to be remembered as statistics.
“These headlines are very hurting and disturbing to us that he has become a statistics of COVID19”, a family member said. As far as we are concerned he died of a brief illness, he was covid negative at the time of his death contrary to reports, senator Rawlings said in a statement. “we request privacy at this difficult moment. Details of his funeral will be announced in due course said the senator”.
POLITICAL LIFE
He led two coups, first in 1979, before being elected president in multiparty polls.
Jerry John Rawlings, aged 73, founded the National Democratic Congress on July 28, 1992, a social-democratic political party with the motto; Unity, stability and development after he resigned from the military and became the first President of the Fourth Republic.
In 1992, Rawlings founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the charismatic figure first seized power railing against corruption and said to be responsible for executing several former heads of state for their alleged graft and mismanagement.
He was also seen as a champion of the poor but later criticised for alleged human rights abuses.
His last tweet was a congratulatory message to President-Elect. Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris for winning the Presidential election in the USA.
“Congratulations to President-Elect @JoeBiden and Vice President-Elect @KamalaHarris. The world is expectant as a new era of United States leadership dawns. We look forward to a leadership that embraces unity, compassion and maturity.” He tweeted.
INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS
International figures across the world have sent their condolences to the family and the people of Ghana. The President of the Republic of Liberia, George Oppong Weah, has expressed his condolences to the people of Ghana for the loss of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyata has also described Rawlings as a true Pan-Africanist who firmly believed and cared for the interests of the citizens of this continent.
President Buhari of Nigeria wrote, “President Buhari sends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Ghana over the passing of the country’s former President, Jerry Rawlings, 73, affirming that the entire African continent will sorely miss the sterling qualities of the great leader,” the presidency said in a statement.
“President Buhari believes the passion, discipline and moral strength that the former Ghanaian leader employed to reposition his country over many years continue to reverberate across the continent and beyond.
“The president notes, with commendation, the unique role the former president played in strengthening political institutions in his country and Africa, stimulating the economy for sustainable growth and vociferously championing the African cause by urging many leaders to work towards interdependency on the global stage, especially in areas of competitive advantage.
“President Buhari joins family, friends and associates of the former Ghanaian leader in mourning his departure, assuring that the ideas that Rawlings postulated, particularly for development in Africa, and his sacrifices in working in various countries as an envoy for peace and democracy will always be remembered.”
Another International influential African figure, Prof. PLO Lumumba, added, “I am sad to learn of the demise of President Jerry Rawlings, a good friend and great man. Let us honour him by emulating his courage and candour. JJ, Old Soldiers never die.”
NATIONAL MOURNING
Ghanaian government announced a week of national mourning for the country’s longest-serving leader, who oversaw the transition to multiparty elections in what is now one of Africa’s most stable democracies. Videos on social media show people crying and sharing photos, videos and quotes of the former president.
The leader of the opposition (NDC), H.E. John Dramani Mahama, had to cut short his six days Ashanti Regional campaign tour in respect of the sudden demise Rawlings.
Apart from the NDC and Keta holding a vigil in honour of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, another vigil was also religiously held in Kumasi with the flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama, his running-mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang and other dignitaries of the party attending.
Chairperson of the Volta Regional Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dan Kwasi Abodakpi has said his party will demand full participation in the pre-burial and burial arrangement of the late founder, Jerry John Rawlings.
According to him, this will form part of the party’s means of honouring the legacy of the former president.
The Ex-Prez. John Mahama and flagbearer of NDC, the Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Oquaye, signs the book of condolence in memory of the late former Prez. Jerry John Rawlings.
President Akufo-Addo paid a visit to the Ridge residence of the former First Lady, Mrs Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, to commiserate with her and the family on the death of Jerry John Rawlings.
Former President Jerry John Rawlings is married to Nana Konadu Agyemang, with whom he has four children; Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina and Kimathi.
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