President Akufo-Addo consoles Rawlings

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday commiserated with former President Jerry John Rawlings on the death of the latter’s mother, Madam Victoria Agbotui.

A statement issued by the Communications Directorate of the former President said President Akufo-Addo expressed his deepest condolences to Mr. Rawlings and his family.

It said the President said the loss of a mother was different from the loss of a father, describing the love of a mother as something that was different and special.

Feeling

“When my mother died, I was the Foreign Minister of Ghana, but I cried like a baby. So I know exactly how you are feeling,” it quoted the President as saying.

President Akufo-Addo told Mr. Rawlings and his family that when news broke of Madam Agbotui’s demise, he was out of the jurisdiction doing some work, but he called the former President to offer his condolences and promised to personally visit on his return.

“I got back to Accra last night and decided to call on you today,” he said.

Response

The statement said the Stool Father of the Anlo State, Mr. Dan Abodakpi, who is also the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of Madam Agbotui’s funeral, in responding to the President, said the family was grateful for the show of sincere comradeship and solidarity.

Mr. Abodakpi informed the President that Madam Agbotui’s funeral would take place on Saturday, October 24, 2020 with a non-denominational service at the forecourt of the State House, after which the body would be conveyed to Dzelukope for interment.

It said President Akufo-Addo, who was accompanied by the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei Opare, and the Communications Director at the Presidency, Mr. Eugene Arhin, later signed the book of condolence opened in memory of Madam Agbotui.