A great tree has fallen and Ghana is the poorer for the loss. The former President of Ghana, Flt Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, has died. This was contained in a statement released by His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo Addo.

According to the statement, the tragic event occurred at 10:10am on Thursday 12th November, 2020, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, where the former President was receiving treatment after a short illness.

He conveyed the deep sympathies of Government and the people of Ghana to his wife, the former First Lady of Ghana, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, his children and the family of the late President in these difficult times.

He has directed all national flags to fly at half mast for the next seven days in all parts of the country and declared seven days of national mourning from Friday 13th to Friday 20th November, 2020.

He added that in honour of the memory of the former President, he and the Vice President have suspended all political campaigns for the same period.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo said that the government will work closely with the family of President Rawlings on arrangements for a fitting state funeral for the late President and will keep the nation informed accordingly.