Rawlings’ mother’s funeral slated for October 24

The burial service of Madam Victoria Agbotui, mother of former President Jerry John Rawlings, will take place at the forecourt of the State House on Saturday, October 24 this year.

The body will then be conveyed to Dzelukope for interment.

A statement issued by the Communications Directorate of the Office of the former President said the Agbotui and allied families had confirmed the date.

The late Madam Agbotui died on September 24 this year at the age of 101.

Delegations

The statement also said high-profile dignitaries had been commiserating with former President Rawlings, the Agbotui and allied families following the death of Madam Agbotui.

It added that last Wednesday, the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, led a government delegation to call on the bereaved family to commiserate with them over the loss.

 Dr Bawumia signing the book of condolence

It said Dr Bawumia, in sympathising with the former President, noted that though he knew Mr Rawlings as an emotionally tough man, the loss of a mother was a difficult situation for everyone.

It said the Vice-President, who represented President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei Opare, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Energy Minister, Mr John- Peter Amewu, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Sammi Awuku, and a host of other senior officials.
 
NDC

Former President Mahama exchanging pleasantries with former President Rawlings

The statement said the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, on Friday, September 25 this year, also led a high-powered delegation from the NDC to call on the former President and his family to commiserate with them over the loss of Madam Agbotui.

The statement said former President Mahama paid tribute to her and said, “Mama was always available to give wise counsel whenever the opportunity availed itself.”

He said though Mama was a centenarian, “she was the kind of person one would assume would live forever”.

It said members of the delegation included the Vice-Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, the National Chairman, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the General Secretary, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and other leading members of the party.
 
Chief Imam

The statement also said the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharubutu, accompanied by a delegation of Muslim chiefs, called on the former President last Tuesday to mourn with them over the loss of Madam Agbotui.

Sheikh Sharubutu said the loss reminded him of the significant contributions former President Rawlings had made to the development and unity not only of the Muslim community but the country at large.

It said he noted that Madam Agbotui was in a good place and urged the family to remain strong.

Diplomats

Ambassador Quaadil with former President Rawlings and family

The statement also mentioned the Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Imane Quaadil, among those who called on former President Rawlings and his family last Wednesday to express the condolences of the Kingdom of Morocco to the bereaved family.

It said Ambassador Daniel Abodakpi, who is also the Stoolfather of the Anlo State, expressed the gratitude of the former President and his family for the show of solidarity from the Kingdom of Morocco and gave the ambassador details about the funeral.