The final burial rites of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings has been postponed indefinitely.
This announcement was contained in a communique from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to international communities and diplomatic missions.
The funeral arrangement was initially slated for December 20, 2020.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana presents its compliments to all Diplomatic Missions, International Organisations and Honorary Consulates accredited to the Republic of Ghana and with reference to the former’s note verbal NO. PR/CIR dated December 8, 2020, informing of the funeral arrangements 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 20th December 2020 as planned,” the statement read.
But concerns raised by some families had caused President Nana Akufo-Addo to allow the family to settle all outstanding issues regarding the customary rites and select a suitable date for the State to join in facilitating the departure of the late statesman.
The statement further said the new date for the funeral will be communicated in due course.
The postponement of the burial date of the former statesman comes after the Office of the Presidency on Tuesday, December 15 requested that the family of the late JJ Rawlings select a suitable date for his burial as well as resolve all outstanding issues surrounding his burial.
This move, according to the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare is to help government plan a befitting ceremony for the late statesman.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Joseph Asare
