The National Campaign Manager of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Joshua Alabi has described the death of former President, Jerry John Rawlings as a huge loss to the nation and Africa.
Mr. Rawlings, according to him, has contributed his quota to national development and will forever be remembered by Ghanaians and the party he established–the NDC.
Speaking to Citi News after the NDC suspended its campaign activities, Prof. Alabi said he was optimistic that, the NDC will win the 2020 general elections to honour its founder.
“This is a great loss to the World, Africa, Ghana and a very big loss to the National Democratic Congress. Rawlings’ death is going to urge us all to work hard to win this election to honour him”, he said.
Members on the Minority side in Parliament have also suspended all campaign activities as they mourn the death of former President Rawlings.
In a statement signed by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority noted that the country has lost a great icon and hero.
The Minority added that Jerry John Rawlings fought greatly for the country.
“The Minority in Parliament is deeply saddened at the tragic news of the passing of Former President and Founder of the National Democratic Congress, H.E. Jerry John Rawlings. It is most difficult to come to terms with this shocking development considering that only a few weeks ago he looked well and hearty when we visited his home to commiserate with him on the loss of his dear mother. Ghana and I dare say Africa has lost a political icon. Ghana owes her current democratic credentials as a peaceful and stable democracy to Jerry John Rawlings. He is unmatched in the fight against corruption as he made it a high-risk activity.”
Rawlings died on Thursday at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness.
He passed on at the age of 73.
The Minority MPs in the statement expressed their condolence to the family of the late former president.
“We offer our deepest condolences to his family, particularly our colleague, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings. The void created by his departure cannot be filled. Ghana has lost a dedicated public servant par excellence,” the statement noted.