TRIBUTE TO FLT. LT. J.J. RAWLINGS By Nana Nanabanyin Ninsin-Imbeah II A Cadre & Ex-Nyimfahen, Mfantseman Council in Ashanti Region

“The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” – Isaiah 57: 1-2
With a deep sense of grief, shock and pain this tribute is written to the memory of the selfless, founding President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings.
His exit from this world on Thursday, November 12, 2020, two days to my Birthday, rendered me completely speechless, dazed and blank, for that reason, the plans for the mild celebration of my Birthday was completely put off.
For nearly thirty-eight years, when we met for the first time in Bolgatanga in the Upper East region of Ghana, where he gave me the opportunity for the first time, as the then Chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) to climb on top of the military armoured vehicle to present to him a personal petition, the bond of brotherliness and friendship between us remained close and tight until his demise.
Papa Jay, as he was fondly called and known by many of his numerous admirers, was a very courageous, principled, fearless and bold personality, who stoutly always spoke his mind and condemned all that was not true and just that came to his notice.
At the Burial Service in the Transition Funeral Parlour, Accra, for the late PNDC member, Comrade Ebo Tawiah, when we met, as usual of him, he came and exchanged pleasantries with all the traditional rulers before resuming his seat for the service to continue.
After the Burial Service he called me and engaged me in a short discussion and also praised me for helping the family of the PNDC Member to give him a befitting send off.
Not long after that, on Friday, September 13, 2009, we met again to attend and represent the Government of Ghana at the state burial service in Zimbabwe of the Founding President of that country, the late Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
In Zimbabwe, Papa Jay gave me the permission to call on him in his apartment many times for discussions, and also engage me in very humorous conversations.
Former President Rawlings had unrestrained love for all who came into contact with him, especially the upright and principled ones.
Papa Jay, farewell!
May the Almighty grant you a peaceful and eternal Rest!
Goodbye, Great & Selfless Leader.

The post TRIBUTE TO FLT. LT. J.J. RAWLINGS By Nana Nanabanyin Ninsin-Imbeah II A Cadre & Ex-Nyimfahen, Mfantseman Council in Ashanti Region appeared first on The Chronicle Online.

Read Full Story