Activities for the funeral of late Former President Jerry John Rawlings commence today with the Anlo Traditional Council holding series of celebratory, traditional events and mourning in honour of the late president.
The events by the traditional council will end tomorrow. Meanwhile, national activities for the funeral will start with a Catholic Requiem Mass on Sunday, January 24 at the Holy Spirit Cathedral and a vigil at the Air Force Officers Mess in Accra. The former President will be laid in state on Monday, January 25 and Tuesday, January 26 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
This will provide the opportunity for interest groups and members of the public to pay their last respects. All funeral events will take place under strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols. The former President will receive full military burial service on Wednesday, January 27. He will later be interred at the Military Cemetery in Accra – the government’s designated burial ground for all former Presidents.
Heads of security agencies, leaders of political parties and the public will have the opportunity to file past the mortal remains of the former President on Monday, January 25. On Tuesday, January 26, President Akufo-Addo, the Vice President, Vice-President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, former Heads of State and Heads of constitutional bodies, the Speaker of Parliament and former Speakers will also have the opportunity to pay their respects.
At 3 p.m. on the same day traditional and customary rites will be held at the foyer of the international conference centre with the body of the former President still lying in state.
