Buhari, Lumumba and others mourn with Ghana the death of Rawlings

General news for Friday, November 13, 2020

Source: Starr FM

2020-11-13

Tributes are being paid to former Ghanaian President Jerry John Rawlings following his death on Thursday morning at the age of 73.

Liberian President George Weah said: “Ghana, Liberia and Africa will miss a great leader.

“Liberia recalls its immense contribution to achieving and maintaining peace during our dark days in our own history,” he added in a tweet.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has also sent his “deepest condolences” to the government and people of Ghana following the death of former President Jerry Rawlings.

“The entire African continent will greatly miss the excellent qualities of the great leader,” Buhari said in a message of condolence.

He also said that “he believes that the passion, discipline and moral strength that the former Ghanaian leader used to reposition his country for many years” “will continue to reverberate across the continent and beyond.”

Mr Buhari also hoped that Rawlings’ ideas “for development in Africa … will always be remembered.”

Ghana’s First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo tweeted: “You have paid your dues for the development of this nation and your legendary status cannot be questioned, RIP to formal President Jerry John Rawlings. Rest well until we meet again. “

African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faku Mahamat also expressed his condolences to the Ghanaian family, people and government in a tweet.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of President Jerry Rawlings, a good friend and a great man. Let’s honor him by emulating his courage and frankness. J. J, Old soldiers never die, ”wrote Professor PLO Lumumba in a Facebook post.

Former President of the Nigerian Senate, Atiku Abubakar, also tweeted: “Jerry Rawlings was an African giant. His tenure as the leader of Ghana remains emblematic of the restoration of that country. Even after office, he championed African unity and rebirth. “

In a tweet, former UK Ambassador to Ghana Jon Benjamin wrote: “My condolences to Nana Konadu, Zenator and the entire Rawlings family.”

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo declared seven days of mourning after the death of former President and Military Ruler Jerry Rawlings.

Akufo-Addo said he had suspended the campaign for next month’s elections and that the flags would be flown at half mast.

The seven days of mourning will begin on Friday.

“A bigger tree has fallen and Ghana is poorer because of the loss,” Akufo-Addo said, adding that Rawlings would receive an “appropriate” state funeral.

Opposition presidential candidate John Mahama has announced that he will suspend the campaign for next month’s elections following the death of former leader Jerry Rawlings.

Mr. Mahama is the standard bearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which was founded by Mr. Rawlings.