Ghana’s former President Rawlings laid to rest

January 27, 2021 Elwin Mandowa

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Ghana’s former president, Jerry John Rawlings has been laid to rest in the capital Accra, following a state funeral held in his honour.

Wednesday funeral and burial events were well attended by many African and world leaders, many of whom were his friends.

Thousands over two days paid their last respect by filing past him when he was laid in state.

Mr Rawlings, who was 73, died from an undisclosed illness weeks after burying his own mother who was 101 years old.

The government delayed his burial due to an impending election and subsequently because there disagreements over the funeral between his family and some traditional leaders.

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Rawlings, a former military leader who subsequently became a politician ruled Ghana from 1981 to 2001.

He previously ruled for a brief period in 1979 after leading a military junta.

Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo in his tribute said “It is my hope and prayer that he remains, forever, the longest serving Head of State in our nation’s history, for that would mean that the 4th Republican Constitution and its enshrined term limits have endured.”

Akufo-Addo added that Rawlings’ “actions were not limited to Ghana only. The African nationalist that he was, he held unwavering positions on all matters concerning the wider continent of Africa, especially when they involved foreign interference and control of Africa’s destiny, and was quick to voice his views on them.”

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Former President Jerry John Rawlings left behind a wife and four children.