Rawlings death, great loss to Africa-Buhari

By Joy Okosieme

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled  with the government and people of Ghana over passing of the country’s former President, Jerry Rawlings.

Rawlings died at the age of 73 years on Thursday from the COVID-19 virus two weeks after burying his mother.

President Buhari in a message signed by Femi Adesina, his spokesman, said the late former Ghanaian President, who first became leader of Nigeria’s West African neighbour in 1977 bia a military coup, would be sorely missed by the entire African continent for his sterling qualities as a leader.

President Buhari said the passion, discipline and moral strength the former Ghanaian leader employed to reposition his country over many years continue to reverberate across the continent and beyond.

President Buhari recalled and  commended the unique role the former President played in strengthening political institutions in his country and Africa, stimulating the economy for sustainable growth, and vociferously championing the African cause by urging many leaders to work towards interdependency on the global stage, especially in areas of competitive advantage.

He joined the family, friends and associates of the former Ghanaian leader in mourning his departure, assuring that the ideas that Rawlings postulated, particularly for development in Africa, and his sacrifices in working in various countries as an envoy for peace and democracy will always be remembered.

He prayed God to grant the Ghanaian leader eternal rest, and comfort all his loved ones.