Ghanaian President, Akufo-Addo Officially Announces Jerry Rawlings’ Death, Declares 7-Day National Mourning

By Edna Wande On Nov 12, 2020

Ghanaian President, Akufo-Addo Officially Announces Rawlings' Death, Declares 7 Days Of National Mourning — L-R: Former President Jerry John Rawlings and President Nana Akufo-Addo.

President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo has declared seven-day national mourning as he suspends his re-election campaign over the demise of former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Rawlings passed on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital from coronavirus complications.

In addition to the national mourning, which will start from Friday, November 13 to November 20, all national flags will fly half-mast for Rawlings.

In a statement confirming the death, the Ghanaian President expressed his deepest condolence to the family and the entire nation over the loss.

President Akufo-Addo pledged his support to the family throughout their difficult moment, adding that the nation will be informed of the preparations for his befitting state burial.

Read the full statement below;

PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO ANNOUNCES THE DEATH OF FORMER PRESIDENT JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS

It is with great sadness that I announce to the nation that the 1* President of 4th Republic, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, has joined his ancestors.

This tragic event occurred at 10:10am on Thursday, 12th November 2020, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where the former President was receiving treatment, after a short illness.

I convey the deep sympathies of Government and the people of Ghana to his wife, the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the children, and family of the late President in these difficult times.

I have directed that all national flags should fly at half-mast for the next seven (7) days in all parts of the country, and have declared seven days of national mourning from Friday, 13th November to Friday, 20h November. In honour of the memory of former President Rawlings, the Vice President and I have suspended our political campaigns for same period.

Government will work closely with the family of President Rawlings on the arrangements for a fitting State Funeral for the late President, and will keep the nation informed accordingly.

A great tree has fallen, and Ghana is poorer for this loss.

May his soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall meet again. Amen.