Jerry Rawlings: Ghana Declares 7-Day National Mourning For Late President

The Government of Ghana has declared a seven-day national mourning in memory of late Jerry Rawlings, the first president of the country’s fourth Republic who died today Thursday.

This was disclosed in a statement on Thursdays, signed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

THE WHISTLER earlier reported that Rawlings (73) died following his admission at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

According to Akufo-Addo, Rawlings contributed immensely to the development of the nation.

The full statement reads:

“It is with great sadness that I announce to the nation that the 1st President of the 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 al 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, 20th 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!”