Accra, Nov 12, GNA – The family of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings has touted his legacy in fighting corruption and promoting probity and accountability among public officials for the development of the country.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a daughter of the late President, in a statement on behalf of the family at a requiem mass held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra, on Friday, to commemorate his passing one year on, said Rawlings remained committed to the fight against all forms of inequality until his demise.
“Probity and accountability were not just popular words associated with Jerry John Rawlings. You did everything you could when you were leader of this country to live that ideal and convince all Ghanaians to follow suit. The journey of combating corruption has been a complex journey for Ghana but while you lived, you never stopped championing that cause.”
“We are still far from where you wanted your beloved Ghana to be but your ideals and what you stood for, will also haunt those who choose to cut corners to achieve undeserved riches. This applies to politicians and non-politicians alike,” she said.
The solemn ceremony was attended by officials from the Presidency led by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, officials of the National Democratic Congress led by Former President John Dramani Mahama, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, the clergy, party sympathisers, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corp.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the welfare of the ordinary Ghanaian was at the heart of everything the former President did to bring relief to the people, adding that Rawlings was a man who could not easily be forgotten because his loving and charismatic demeanour struck everyone he met.
“You struck a chord with the ordinary people of this country and could not fathom why a small group of the privileged class had taken over Ghana and consistently mismanaged it. You and like-minded colleagues believed some action had to be taken. The rest is history,” she said.
Dr Rawlings noted that the late President was an individual whose environmental credentials always preceded whatever he did, stressing that the passing of the former President was, therefore, a great loss, not only to the family but the entire country, Africa and the world.
“It has been a difficult twelve months having to live with the knowledge that he is physically not here with us, but as Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
“The Lord has been there for us and for all those who in diverse ways, lost a loved one,” Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said.
She thanked Ghanaians for the support to the family since the loss of the former President.
Jerry John Rawlings died aged 73 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on November 12, 2020, after a short illness.
GNA