The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye has described the death of former President Jerry John Rawlings as a “great loss” to the country.
He said the contributions of the former President to Ghana’s democratic dispensation “cannot be glossed over.”
Prof. Oquaye made this known in a statement issued on Thursday, November 12, 2020, following the announcement of the demise of President Rawlings.
Former President Jerry John Rawlings died around 10 am on November 12, 2020, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
“Speaker Prof. Mike Oquaye, the Leadership and Membership of Parliament and the Clerk to Parliament have learnt with utmost sadness, the passing of Former President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings on Thursday, 12/11/2020. President Rawlings was the first President of the Fourth Republic. His contribution to our current democratic dispensation cannot be glossed over. His passing is indeed a great loss to our Republic. May he find eternal rest,” Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye remarked in his statement.
Citi News sources said the former President has been unwell shortly after he buried his late mother, Madam Victoria Agbotui in October 2020.
Already, Presidents of various African countries have poured in their tributes to mourn the former President.
The governments Liberia and Burkina Faso have expressed their condolences to the people of Ghana over the loss.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has declared seven days of national mourning for the late former President.
He also directed that flags should fly at half-mast during the period.
