Former President and Flagbearer of the opposition NDC, John Mahama, has suspended his campaign tour of.the Ashanti Region following the death of former president Jerry John Rawlings.
Mahama, who once served in the administration of Mr Rawlings as a Minister for Communications, was in Obuasi when the sad news broke.
“What we have heard is not a good news to the country especially we in the NDC…I have spoken with my campaign committee chairman and we have decided to suspend the campaign for now,” Mahama said while addressing a mini durbar at Obuasi
He had earlier toured the Ahafo Ano South, Atwima Nwabiagya North, Oforikrom, Manhyia North, Suame, Akrofuom and the Obuasi constituencies in less than 72 hours.
He is expected to resume the tour later in the month.
Rawlings, aged 73, died at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on Thursday November 12,2020.
Joy News has confirmed the former military leader was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was being treated at the premier hospital before his demise.
Privacy
The family of the first president of the 4th Republic officially announced the demise of their beloved father, with a call on Ghanaians to respect their privacy as they mourn.
A statement from the office of the former president signed by her daughter and MP for Korle Klottey, Dr Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings, confirmed the death and requested privacy from the public as they mourn Mr Rawlings.
“The family requests privacy at this difficult moment,” Dr. Rawlings stated and added funeral arrangements for the former Head of State will be announced soon.
National Mourning
President Akufo-Addo, who was officially informed about the death of his friend in the evening by the Rawlings family, announced a 7 day nationwide mourning for the former president who is also the founder founder of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
President Akufo-Addo also announced a state burial will be held for Mr Rawlings.
There would be flying of the national flag at half-mast for one week commencing from Friday, November 13, 2020.
Mr Rawlings, a former military leader, was survived by a wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and four children.
By Henryson Okrah|Myxyzonline.com
