The family of former President Jerry John Rawlings has requested
privacy from well-wishers as they mourn his passing.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family,
daughter Dr Zanetor Rawlings, who is also the Member of Parliament for Klottey
Korle Constituency confirmed the passing of the first president of the Fourth
Republic.
“It is with deep sadness that the family of His
Excellency Jerry John Rawlings (Rtd), informs the general public that the
former President of the Republic, passed away on Thursday morning after a short
illness.”
News of the death saw many
supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)) throng his residence at
Ridge in Accra to pay their respects.
But the family is requesting privacy.
“The family requests privacy at this difficult
moment,” Dr Zanetor wrote in the statement on Thursday, November 12.
“Details of funeral arrangements will be announced in
due course,” she added.
Already, seven-day national mourning has been declared by
the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with all national flags directed to
fly at half-mast.
Major political parties have
also suspended their campaigns in honour of the founder of the National
Democratic Congress (NDC).
President Akufo-Addo announced in a statement that a
befitting state burial will be held for Mr Rawlings but not after working
closely with the family.
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