Akufo-Addo declares 7 days national mourning over Rawlings’ demise

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has declared seven days of national mourning following the death of the former President Jerry John Rawlings.

The president has also directed that all national flags should fly at half-mast for the next seven days in all parts of the country.

These presidential orders takes effect from Friday, November 13 to November 20, 2020.

Also, campaign activities have been suspended till further notice.

“It is with great sadness that I announce to the nation that the first president of the 4th Republic, Jerry John Rawlings, has joined his ancestors.

“I convey the deep sympathisers of government and the people of Ghana to his wife, the former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the children and the family of the late president, in these difficult times,” excerpts of the statement read.

The former president died at the Korle Bu Teaching hospital in Accra following a short illness.

Jerry John Rawlings was born on June 22, 1947. He was a former Ghanaian military leader who transitioned into a democratic leader.

He led the military junta until 1992 and then served two terms as the democratically elected President of Ghana.

He died at the age of 73, leaving behind a wife and four children.