The United Nations in Ghana says it has been saddened the passing of former Ghanaian president, Jerry John Rawlings.

The country office of the global body in a release issued on Thursday, November 12, 2020, shortly after an official release announcing the passing of Mr Rawlings described the former president as an “esteemed patriotic Ghanaian, whose legacy of selfless service and dedication to the promotion of integrity, democracy and development of Ghana and its peoples…”

“President Rawlings will be remembered for his astuteness and commitment to democratic governance in Ghana and on the continent. May his soul rest in peace.

“As we join you all to mourn this tragic loss, our thoughts, prayers and solidarity are with his family, relatives, friends, admirers, and all the people of Ghana,” the release stated.

The former Ghanaian leader who ruled the country for a period of 19 years umder military and civilian regimes, died Thursday at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after a short illness.

The President, Nana Akufo-Addo in a statement, directed flags to fly at half mast while declaring a week’s national mourning in the memory of Rawlings.

The President as well as main opposition leader, John Mahama, have temporarily suspended political activities in honour of the passing of the former president.