Akufo-Addo, Mahama file past remains of former President Rawlings

President Akufo-Addo, the Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and their wives as well as the Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare have filed past the remains of former President Jerry John Rawlings.

2020 NDC Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama and his wife Lordina have also paid their last respects, with Justices of the Supreme Court also having their turn.

As dignitaries filed past the body, they came out in disbelief and teary, one can only say the death of the former president is still a shock to them.

Most of them could not utter a word when journalists approached them to take few words on the passing of the former president, among them was the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin.

However, Former Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho, said the death of J.J Rawlings is still something he is trying hard to come to terms with. He shared some fond memories.

Long-time serving Minister of Sports under the Rawlings regime, E.T Mensah said the death of Rawlings should not end his fight against Corruption.

Other Members of Parliament have been speaking to the media about the death of the former President.

The Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) has been draped and decorated with images of the former President. The foyer of the AICC, where the remains have been laid in state, has also been decorated with black curtains.

The body of the first president of Ghana’s 4th Republic has been lying-in-state at the Accra International Conference Centre since Monday, January 25. Amidst the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country, sterilisation booths and hand sanitisers have been installed at vantage points at the AICC.

On Monday, members of the public, heads of security agencies, leaders of political parties along with traditional leaders among others were given the opportunity to pay their last respects to Mr. Rawlings.

A requiem mass and a vigil have also been held in his memory. Mr. Rawlings’ funeral will be held at Independence Square in Accra from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 27.