The body of Ghana’s longest-serving Head of State, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings will be interred today at the Military cemetery at Burma Camp. A funeral will be held at the Black Star Square this morning before the burial.
Mr Rawlings passed on after a short illness at the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital. 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.
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 respect to Mr. Rawlings.
Yesterday, President Akufo-Addo, the Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and their wives as well as the Chief of Staff, Frema Osei -Opare filed past the remains of former President. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor,2020 NDC Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama and his wife Lordina also paid their last respects, with Justices of the Supreme Court also having their turn.
Today is the last day for the filing past and it is for the family and other specified dignitaries after which the body will be conveyed to Black Star Square for the Burial Service. Earlier a requiem mass and a vigil was held in his memory.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the former President. Some of the persons who worked with him during his administration say the Rawlings’ era can never be written off.
First is Professor Ernest Dumor who was a family member and father of the late Komla Dumor. He said Jerry John Rawlings’ presidency was action-oriented.
Family member of Former President Rawlings Professor Ernest Dumor. Deputy Minister of Defence in the Rawlings’ regime, Dr Ebenezer Ayerebi-Acquah speaks of the compassionate nature of JJ Rawlings.
Deputy Minister of Defence Ebenezerer Ayerebi-Acquah. Dr Ekow Spio Gabrah was a former Minister of Communication. In his tribute he said J J Rawlings was a democratic man.
Alhaji Hudu Yahaya is a former General Secretary of the NDC. He said Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings was an honest person who hated corruption.
