A spokesperson on Health for the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) 2020 manifesto, Sylvester Mensah has appealed to Ghanaians who suffered during the regime of former military leader, Jerry John Rawlings to forgive him.
The former president has been criticised for his alleged inhumane treatments of some Ghanaians during his military rule.
The Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, had pledged not to forgive him for making his mother suffer hypertension.
Kennedy Agyapong rescinded his decision in September 2020.
According to Mr. Mensah, the demands and pressures of the era fed into the excesses of the regime but in the spirit of reconciliation, victims should find a place in their hearts to forgive.
Speaking to the media after signing the book of condolence in honour of the memory of former President Rawlings, Sylvester Mensah called on anyone who may have been victimised in one way or the other under Rawlings’ military regime to find a place in their hearts to forgive him.
“At this time of his departure, we can only mourn and appeal to those who have been victims of the excesses during his regime to have some space in their hearts to forgive. Times have been rough. The pressures, demands, and slogans when he emerged all fed into the excesses we saw at the time.”
“It is our wish that posterity will be kind to him. He had his positives and the others. It is important to look at the silver lining and give him the honour that he deserves,” he added.
He further indicated that the death of the former President is a great loss to the nation.
“The nation has lost a great man, a visionary leader, one who has walked the face of this earth in a manner that no one has.”
Meanwhile, President of the Old Achimotans Association, Ernest Aryeetey says the current generation of leaders must exemplify the servant leadership traits of former President Rawlings.
“He fought a good fight as expected of any leader, and he ran a good race and these are the words we’ve written about him. Most importantly we pray for his soul to be granted eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord Almighty.”
“The late Jerry John Rawlings had charisma and provided charismatic leadership to this country and there is a lot that young people can learn from his style.”
Jerry John Rawlings died in the early hours of Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
He passed on barely a month after he buried his mother Madam Victoria Agbotui.
