Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings has died.
J.J Rawlings, 73, led a military junta from 1981 until 1992, and then served two terms as the democratically elected President of Ghana from January 7, 1993 to January 6, 2001.
People around the world on Twitter have been reacting to the announcement of his death.
#RIP JJ …. Ghana will forever remember you Great man. 😞😞😞 pic.twitter.com/2Btx1Nh4OU
— SAMINI (@samini_dagaati) November 12, 2020
On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Liberia, and in my own name, I wish to convey deepest and profound sympathy to the government and people of Ghana, the Rawlings family and the entire Africa for the death of a great statesman, Former President….. pic.twitter.com/HoGxb1owRP
— George Weah (@GeorgeWeahOff) November 12, 2020
Jerry Rawlings was an African giant. His tenure as leader of Ghana remains emblematic with the restoration of that country. Even after office, he stood tall for African unity and renaissance. pic.twitter.com/8nsU0OlCiU
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) November 12, 2020
RIP Jerry Rawlings🙏🙏🙏
— Davido (@davido) November 12, 2020
Former PRESIDENT JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS was a big supporter of OVATION INTERNATIONAL… He and his adorable wife NANA KONADU AGYEMAN-RAWLINGS graced The Ovation Carol and he was the first to be inducted into our Hall of Fame… pic.twitter.com/kIXcrsdGgv
— Dele Momodu Ovation (@DeleMomodu) November 12, 2020
Jerry John Rawlings was my good friend. A revolutionary and a great man. I recall how I would often visit him and his dear wife at his home in Ghana. He will be dearly missed. My condolences to the whole of Ghana and all the loved ones he left behind. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/lO12EPpzDw
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) November 12, 2020
Heartbroken to hear about the passing of former Ghanaian President Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings. My deepest condolences to his family and all of Ghana who are no doubt mourning this tragic loss today.
May he rest in perfect peace.
🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/YTm7B2mLWF— Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (@BellRibeiroAddy) November 12, 2020
My dad (who lived in #Ghana for 29yrs) was a big fan of JJ Rawlings.
Him: ‘Rawlings is what we need to fight corruption in #Nigeria.’
Love him or loathe him, besides Kwame Nkrumah, no political leader has had much of an impact on Ghana as Rawlings. 😢 pic.twitter.com/qFvpxnbtjK
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) November 12, 2020
RIP Jerry Rawlings! One of the few African Presidents who deeply believed in democracy,accountability ,rule of law and human rights! Go Well Jerry! https://t.co/e98yXgHoUg
— Kigogo🇰🇪 (@kigogo2014) November 12, 2020
A very sad day for our beloved country Ghana 🇬🇭. May The Soul Of Former President Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings Rest In Eternal Peace💐🙏🏾. Africa and the world will never forget your legacy as a brave soldier who fought for the betterment of his people ✊🏾#ripjjrawlings 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/NPLUSf0hWh
— Reggie n Bollie (@ReggieNBollie) November 12, 2020
Journey well, Papa J.
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) November 12, 2020
I will never forget how I once invited former PRESIDENT JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS to Lagos to deliver a speech at NITESHIFT COLISEUM and he came with his entire family and we had lunch with then GOVERNOR BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA at the Marina State House… pic.twitter.com/jSLywjBbkd
— Dele Momodu Ovation (@DeleMomodu) November 12, 2020
black Thursday for the entire African continent! RIP JJ Rawlings ✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/ALQY1npSwT
— Malik Ofori (@malikofori) November 12, 2020
Some mourners recount how they received the news of the demise of former President JJ Rawlings. pic.twitter.com/5IADQu4fGD
— GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) November 12, 2020
One thing is for sure, history will never forget Jerry John Rawlings.
— miss forson (@lydiaforson) November 12, 2020
Jerry Rawlings 😢 pic.twitter.com/yyI5iFLM5M
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) November 12, 2020
‘Without truth we cannot get justice’ ~ Jerry John Rawlings pic.twitter.com/fetlPxbqBI
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) November 12, 2020
It’s very sad to hear of the passing of #Ghana’s former President JJ Rawlings. I was fortunate enough to interact with him on several memorable occasions throughout my years in Accra.
My deepest condolences to Nana Konadu, Zenator and all the Rawlings family.#RIPJerryRawlings pic.twitter.com/wI4BUAan6Q
— (((Jon Benjamin))) ⚒🇬🇧🏴🇨🇱🇬🇭✡️ (@JonBenjamin19) November 12, 2020
RIP Jerry don Rawlings. 🌹
— Joey B (@1RealJoeyB) November 12, 2020
From his early days as a young revolutionary, to his later years as a renowned statesman and pan-Africanist, Jerry Rawlings always led from the front and matched his words with his actions. pic.twitter.com/IYfbtiZceK
— Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) November 12, 2020
RIP JJ Rawlings
— The 8th Element (@trigmaticrocks) November 12, 2020
Ghana’s ex-president Jerry John Rawlings dies aged 73. A hard – even ruthless – military man, anti-imperialist, and revolutionary, on the road to Damascus Rawlings became one of late-20th century Africa’s most consequential democratic and economic reformers. RIP JJ. pic.twitter.com/E29Xb0hcvO
— Charles Onyango-Obbo (@cobbo3) November 12, 2020
I am deeply saddened by the news about the passing on of the former President of Ghana, H.E. Jerry John Rawlings. My condolences to Your Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo and the brotherly people of Ghana for the loss of this Great-man of Africa. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.
— Dr John Magufuli (@MagufuliJP) November 12, 2020
Gone but will never be forgotten, RIP LEGEND JJ RAWLINGS pic.twitter.com/IDsIw10b9Y
— EL CHAIRMANO (@AmgMedikal) November 12, 2020
O how are the mighty fallen! One of Africa’s greatest sons & most courageous leaders, President Jerry John Rawlings, has passed. This is a sad day for Ghana🇬🇭 & Africa. He was one of our brightest & best & throughout his life he fought for justice & equity. RIP great warrior!😭 pic.twitter.com/uCw6QyC0rX
— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) November 12, 2020