Rawlings’ funeral on hold; new date to be announced later – Gov’t to Diplomatic Missions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced for the information of the Diplomatic Mission in the country the postponement of the funeral rites for former President, Jerry John Rawlings.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry to all Diplomatic Missions, International Organisations and Honorary Consulates accredited to the Republic of Ghana.

The statement noted that: “With reference to the former’s Note Verbale No. PR/CIRR dated 8 December 2020 informing of the funeral arrangement for the late Flt Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, former President of the Republic of Ghana has the honour to inform with regret that due to unforeseen circumstances, the funeral will not be held from 20 December 2020 as planned.”

It however assured that: “The new date for the funeral will be communicated in due course.”

Former President Rawlings died on Thursday, 12 November 2020 at the Korle Bu Teaching hospital.

His funeral was scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 23 December 2020 but that has been put on hold due to misunderstanding between the families.

The Office of the President has advised the families of Mr Rawlings to resolve all outstanding matters regarding his funeral and burial and convey the final date to the presidency.

This is because the Anlo Traditional Council expressed outraged through a statement issued on Monday, 30 November 2020, signed by Mr James Victor Gbeho, which announced that the late former President would be buried on 23 December 2020.

The announcement said: “The family of His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings has, in consultation with the government, agreed that the date for the State funeral of the former President is confirmed for Wednesday, 23 December 2020 at the Independence Square in Accra”.

“The family is working in conjunction with the government on the finer details of the funeral ceremony and will communicate the arrangements in due course”, the statement said.

Source: classfmonline.com