State officials prevented Mahama from signing Rawlings’ book of condolence – Asiedu Nketia

The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia says the party’s flagbearer, John Mahama was prevented from signing Rawlings’ book of condolence at the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday, November 13, 2020.

In an interview on the Eyewitness news, Mr. Nketia narrated what ensued between Mr. Mahama and state officials when the NDC went to condole the family of the late former President.

“We were at the residence of the family to offer our condolences. The maternal family from Anlo was represented, the nuclear family as well. We were led by our flagbearer. Upon arrival, we were informed that the book of condolences had been taken to the Conference Centre, so we should go there. By the time we reached there, the state officials had locked up the International Conference Centre, taking the book away.”

“When we enquired, we were told that they had been directed to prevent Mr. Mahama from signing,” he added.

Akufo-Addo hijacking Rawlings funeral

The General Secretary also accused President Akufo-Addo of trying to hijack the funeral processes of the late former President.

“The President has refused to recognize that the man belongs to NDC, and he is the founder of NDC. Everything about this funeral so far depicts an attempt by an opponent to hijack the funeral of the founding father of our political party, and we don’t think the funeral of our party founder ought to be organized somewhere, and we get invited,” Asiedu Nketia added.

He further indicated that the NDC has opened a book of condolence for former President Jerry Rawlings at its national headquarters as well as all regional offices and all branches of the party.

The party also noted in an earlier statement that it will “begin the funeral activities for the founder immediately and continue through till his burial.”

Jerry John Rawlings died in the early hours of Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Already, many leaders around the world and other Ghanaian personalities have poured in their tributes to mourn the former President.