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President Akufo-Addo announced a state funeral for the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, who passed away on Thursday, November 12.
According to the president, the chief of staff, Frema Osei Opare and the Rawlings family will meet to decide a date for the state burial.
He made the comment when he was officially informed by the family of the late former president of his death at the Jubilee House in Accra.
The late president’s daughters, Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, Amina Rawlings, and Dr. Zenator Agyemang-Rawlings, who is also a Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle constituency, were dressed in black.
The other family members who accompanied them were: Mr. John Blagogee, spokesman, Colonel Joshua Agbotui, leader of the delegation, Micheal Agbotui Soussoudis, Cecilia Aholu and Captain Richard Fodjour.
“I am extremely disturbed and saddened by his passing. He was not an ordinary Ghanaian … and therefore his passage has to be a matter for the Ghanaian nation, ”President Akufo-Addo said after he was given the news.
The president then ordered the chief of staff, Mrs. Frema Osei Opare, to contact the Rawlings family and develop a plan for their burial.
“I know the feeling of family on such an occasion and I think they will understand that after the death of such a man, the state of Ghana should be given priority. The chief of staff will be in contact with Colonel Agbotui to make sure that he is given a proper exit, ”said the president.
“I am determined to do that and your contribution to the history of this country is there for all to see. And in the end, if he had to leave, I think a grateful nation should show his appreciation in the way he organizes his farewell, ”added President Akufo-Addo.
Meanwhile, sources say the 73-year-old statesman died after contracting Covid-19 and was rushed to the intensive care unit at Korle-Bu University Hospital in Accra.
He left behind a wife, former first lady Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, and four children, Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina and Kimathi Rawlings, who is the only son.
