“A phenomenal leader with an infectious character” – Justice Kulendi eulogises Rawlings

A Supreme Court Justice, Yonni Kulendi, has joined global icons to console the general public following the demise of former President, Jerry John Rawlings.

Justice Kulendi, who described the former president as a very phenomenal leader, said “his death is a big loss to the Ghanaian people and the world at large.”

“He was a very intriguing and infectious character. Our generation will forever remember him, his leadership, style, character, indeed he was a great leader,” he said with a deep sigh.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Justice, Anin Yeboah, and the entire Judicial Service, Justice Kulendi expressed his condolence to the family and the Ghanaian people.

Jerry John Rawlings died in the early hours of Thursday, November 12, 2020, of an unknown illness at the Korle Bu Teaching hospital.

The former president died at the age of 73, leaving behind a wife and four children.

Following his sudden death, the government has declared seven-day national mourning beginning November 13, 2020.

National flags are also to fly at half-mast within the period.  Also, all campaign activities have been put on hold.

Tributes pouring in across the world

Liberia’s President George Weah 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.”

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has also sent his “heartfelt condolences” to the government and people of Ghana.

“The entire African continent will sorely miss the sterling qualities of the great leader. I believe 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 said in a message of condolence.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faku Mahamat, also joined to wish the family well.

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.”