Ghanaians, others mourn with Rawlings, Agbotui family [photos]

Former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Agbotui and allied families have been receiving visitors and messages of commiseration following the demise last Thursday of Madam Victoria Agbotui, mother of His Excellency.

On Wednesday, a large government delegation led by Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, called on the bereaved family to commiserate with them over the loss. Vice-President Bawumia in sympathizing with the former President, noted that though he knew him as a tough man, the loss of a mother was a difficult situation for every offspring.

The Vice-President who represented the President, was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Madam Frema Osei Opare, Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, Energy Minister, John Peter Amewu, Deputy Minister for Information, Pius Hadzide, Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Perry Okudjeto, Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, Elizabeth Sackey, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Anthony Karbo, NPP National Organiser, Sammy Awuku, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon and a host of other senior officials.

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS

Earlier on Friday September 25, a high-powered delegation from the National Democratic Congress led by the party’s flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama, called on the former President and his family to commiserate with them over the loss of Madam Agbotui.

Former President Mahama in paying tribute to Madam Agbotui said, Mama was always available to give wise counsel whenever the opportunity availed itself. He said though Mama was a centenarian, “she was the kind of person one would assume would live forever.”

Members of the delegation included Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Vice Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders, National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Executives and leading members of the party.

NATIONAL CHIEF IMAM

National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu accompanied by a delegation of Muslim Chiefs also called on the former President on Tuesday.

Sheikh Sharabatu in mourning the loss of Madam Agbotui, said the loss reminded him of the significant contributions his son, former President Rawlings had made to the development and unity not only of the Muslim community but the country at large.

The Chief Imam in consoling the bereaved said Madam Agbotui was in a good place and urged the family to remain strong.

On Monday, a delegation from the NDC parliamentary caucus led by Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu and Second Deputy Speaker Alban Bagbin, also called on the former President and his family to express their condolences.

The Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Imane Quaadil also called on the former President and his family on Wednesday to express the condolences of the Kingdom of Morocco to the bereaved family.

Ambassador Daniel Abodakpi, Stoolfather of Anlo State, expressed the gratitude of the former President and his family for the show of solidarity from the Kingdom of Morocco and gave the ambassador details of the funeral.

The Agbotui and allied families have meanwhile confirmed Saturday October 24 as the date of the funeral. There will be a burial service at the Forecourt of the State House after which the body will be conveyed to Dzelukope for interment.