No one-week ceremony for Rawlings, Nana Konadu not hospitalized - Office

The office of the late President Jerry John Rawlings, has announced that there will be no one-week ceremony to mark the date of his death.

A statement from the former President's office said all other communication "announcing such a ceremony are false and should be ignored".

The statement comes after some news reports claimed that the Presidency was hosting such a ceremony at the seat of government next week.

"The general public is also informed that there will be no one-week ceremony. All flyers and other communication announcing such a ceremony are false and should be ignored," the statement said.

Nana Konadu not hospitalised

The office also dismissed rumours that the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has been hospitalized.

“Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is well and has not been admitted to any hospital. She was present when President Akufo-Addo and former President Mahama called on the family on Friday, November 13,” the statement said.

Condolence visits

The Office has also announced that individuals and groups who wish to call on the family of the late former President will only be received by pre-arranged appointments.

They are also to wear nose masks in strict observance of the COVID-19 protocols.

"Individuals or organisations are kindly urged to book appointments by calling 0264444464. Ghanaians from all walks of life are urged to visit the Ghana International Conference Centre to sign the book of condolence opened in honour of the late President by the state.

"Due to Covid-19 protocols, the office kindly informs all groups and institutions who obtain appointments that visitors with appointments who arrive at the former President’s office without nose masks will not be allowed in".

Background

Ex-President Rawlings, the country’s longest-serving head of state, died at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital last Thursday, aged 73, the family announced.

Later in the afternoon, President Akufo-Addo directed that all flags should fly at half-mast for seven days, while the nation mourned the later former President.

The family followed up with a visit to the seat of government, the Jubilee House, in the evening to convey formally the news of the demise of the former military cum civilian government leader who enlisted in the Ghana Airforce in August 1967 and retired on September 14, 1992, to the President.

Read the entire statement below;