The family of former president Jerry John Rawlings has requested privacy from well-wishers as they mourn his passing.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family, daughter Dr Zanetor Rawlings, who is also the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle Constituency, confirmed the passing of the first president of the Fourth Republic.
“It is with deep sadness that the family of His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings (Rtd), informs the general public that the former President of the Republic, passed away on Thursday morning after a short illness.”
News of the death saw many supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)) throng his residence at Ridge in Accra to pay their respects.
But the family is requesting privacy.
“The family requests privacy at this difficult moment,” Dr Zanetor wrote in the statement on Thursday, November 12.
“Details of funeral arrangements will be announced in due course,” she added.
Already, a seven-day national mourning has been declared by the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with all national flags directed to fly at half-mast.
Major political parties have also suspended their campaigns in honour of the founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
President Akufo-Addo announced in a statement that a befitting state burial will be held for Mr Rawlings but not after working closely with the family.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana