Accra, Jan. 27, GNA -The military burial service of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings is underway at the Black Star Square in Accra.
This is to climax a four-day of elaborate state funeral, which saw people from all walks of life paying their last respect to the former president, who ruled the nation for 19 years.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has taken full charge of the burial service, smartly dressed in their ceremonial outfits and marching briskly to honour the memory of the former Commander-in-Chief of the GAF.
Personnel of the GAF were seen riding on beautifully dressed horses marching majestically towards the ceremonial grounds.
The burial service is expected to last for about three hours and will be attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former President John Dramani Mahama, Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, Chief of Staff Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Heads of State from the West African Subregion, Family of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Clergy, Traditional Rulers, the Diplomatic Community, and Ghanaians across the country.
Former President Rawlings is touted as the « People’s Man » for his charisma and values of probity, accountability and social justice that enamoured him to many.
There is a 296-page tribute brochure that contained tributes from the Family, government, National Democratic Congress, ECOWAS, the Anlo State, world leaders, organised groups, friends and loved ones, all eulogising former President Rawlings.
The COVID-19 safety protocols are strictly being observed at the ceremonial grounds here.
The mortal remains of the former President Rawlings would be interred at the new Military Cemetery at Burma Camp in Accra.
Prior to his internment, the mortal remains of the former President will be placed on a “gun carriage” and paraded through some principal streets of Accra.
Ghana’s longest serving head of state passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, after a short illness.
Rawlings was 73 years.
He was survived by his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and four children; Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Amina Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings and Kimathi Rawlings.
