Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama has signed the book of condolence opened at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) in honor of the late former president Jerry John Rawlings.
On Monday 16th of November 2020, John Dramani Mahama expressed his heartfelt sentiments to the deceased and founder of the party.
Contained in a statement by Mr. Mahama, he mourned the passing of the late former president, eulogizing his achievements as the longest serving president of the 4th republic.
“Boss, it is very difficult to come to terms with your exit. But you’ve always been unconventional and acted on your own terms. The rest of us your comrades are left to mourn you. But beyond mourning, your departure we have a duty and responsibility to ensure that your person and your principles receive their deserved place in the history of Ghana. Leader of the revolution, founder of the 4th republic, and… longest period of democratic governance in our history, and nobody can take that away. Fare thee well Boss”.
With this, there was a controversy last Friday when the leader of the opposition party, John Mahama visited the widow of Mr Rawlings, Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, and wanted to sign the book of condolence.
According to the general secretary of the National Democratic Party (NDC) Aseidu Nketia, the family of the late former president directed them to the Accra International Centre to sign the book but upon arrival, the state officials had locked up the place and taken the book away.
“We were at the residence of the family to offer our condolences. The maternal family from Anlo was represented, the nuclear family as well. We were led by our flag bearer. Upon arrival, we were informed that the book of condolence had been taken to the Accra International Conference Centre, so we should go there. By the time we reached there, the state officials had locked up the Accra International Conference Centre, taking the book away.”
He further noted that, “when we enquired, we were told that they had been directed to prevent Mr. Mahama from signing“.
However, the State Protocol Department sent a release on November 13th 2020 which indicated the signing of the book of condolence will begin from Monday, November 16 to Friday, November 20, 2020 at the entrance of the Centre.
Thus, former President John Kufuor is expected to sign the book on Monday.
Also, former First and Second Ladies Lordina Mahama and Matilda Amissah-Arthur will follow the two former presidents John Agekum Kufour and John Dramani Mahama and then the Chief of Staff to sign theirs.
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other heads of security agencies are also expected to sign on Tuesday 17th of November 2020.
Heads of religious bodies as well as ambassadors and high commissioners will also be seen singing the book of condolence that same day.
Retired senior security officers and old students of the late Rawlings and his widowed wife from the Achimota School and traditional leaders will sign the book.
Heads of government institutions will take their turn on Thursday subsequently followed by the general public on Friday, November 20.
The report further suggests that there will be no one week celebration as the family is yet to decide on a date for the final funeral rites.
