Tributes pour in for Jerry John Rawlings

The death of Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings has been received with shock among the Ghanaian populace and the world over.

Mr Rawlings died on Thursday morning at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness.

Several world leaders have since been commiserating and eulogising the first President of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari in a "heartfelt condolences" said "The entire African continent will sorely miss the sterling qualities of the great leader."

He also said he "believes the passion, discipline and moral strength that the former Ghanaian leader employed to reposition his country over many years" would "continue to reverberate across the continent and beyond."

Mr Buhari also hoped that Rawlings' ideas "for development in Africa... will always be remembered".

Ghana's Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia wrote in a Facebook post that, "I have heard with shock the passing of Former President Jerry John Rawlings.
His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings' role in the political history of Ghana is indelible, his fight for the poor and his impact on national cohesion and discipline is unforgettable. Ghana has lost a colossus and his fond memories will forever live.
My condolences to the former First Lady, Her Excellency Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the children, the allied families and the nation as a whole.
May his soul Rest In Peace."

Ghana’s First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo tweeted, “You've Paid your Dues to the Development of this Nation and your Legendary Status can't be Questioned, R.I.P to Formal President Jerry John Rawlings. Rest well till we meet again.”

President of Liberia, George Weah in a tweet said, “Ghana, Liberia and Africa will miss a great leader. Liberia remembers his immense contribution to the attainment and sustainment of peace during our dark days of our own history.”

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faku Mahamat also expressed his condolences to the family, the people and the government of Ghana in a tweet.

“I am sad to learn of the demise of President Jerry Rawlings, a good friend and  great man. Let us honour him by emulating his courage and candour. J. J,Old Soldiers never die,” wrote Prof. PLO Lumumba in a Facebook post.

Former Nigeria senate president, Atiku Abubakar also tweeted, “Jerry Rawlings was an African giant. His tenure as leader of Ghana remains emblematic with the restoration of that country. Even after office, he stood tall for African unity and renaissance”.

In a tweet, Former UK Ambassador to Ghana, Jon Benjamin wrote, “My deepest condolences to Nana Konadu, Zenator and all the Rawlings family.”