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The family of the late former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings says there will be no one-week ceremony held in his honour. According to a statement from the Communication Directorate of the Office of the former President, “All flyers and other communication announcing such ceremony are false and should be ignored”. In the Ghanaian society, some bereaved families use the one-week ceremony to plan and set a date for the funeral of their deceased member. Friends and sympathisers use such an opportunity to commiserate with the bereaved family. But the statement signed by Kobina Andoh Amoakwa stated that any individual who wishes to call on the family of the late former President to commiserate with them will be received by pre-arranged appointments. “Due to Covid-19 protocols, the office kindly informs all groups and institutions who obtain appointments that visitors with appointments who arrive at the former President’s office without [face] masks will not be allowed in,” he added. The statement further urged the general public and sympathisers to visit the Accra International Conference Centre to sign the book of condolence opened in honour of the late Jerry John Rawlings who died on Thursday, November 12 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, after a week of admission. The statement also debunked rumours that Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has been admitted at the hospital. It added that Nana Konadu was present when both President Akufo-Addo and former President Mahama called on the family on Friday, November 13. Read the full statement below. CONDOLENCE VISITS The office of former President Jerry John Rawlings informs the general public that all who wish to call on the family of the late former President will be received by pre-arranged appointments. Individuals or organisations are kindly urged to book appointments by calling 0264444464. Ghanaians from all walks of life are urged to visit the Ghana International Conference Centre to sign the book of condolence opened in honour of the late President by the state. Due to Covid-19 protocols, the office kindly informs all groups and institutions who obtain appointments that visitors with appointments who arrive at the former President’s office without nose masks will not be allowed in. NO ONE WEEK CEREMONY The general public is also informed that there will be no one-week ceremony. All flyers and other communication announcing such a ceremony are false and should be ignored. The general public is informed that Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is well and has not been admitted to any hospital. She was present when President Akufo-Addo and former President Mahama called on the family on Friday, November 13. Signed: Kobina Andoh Amoakwa (Communications Directorate) Credit: GhanaWeb

Ghana, a bastion of democracy on a troubled continent goes to the polls in three weeks time, but the sudden death of her longtime leader, Jerry John Rawlings this past week seems set to ensure that the controversial leader's image continues to loom large over the country at large and the upcoming polls even in death. Rawlings dominated political life in Ghana for almost two decades, coming on twice as a Military strongman and finally as a civilian leader. Growing up, I never though I would know any other leader apart from him, just like his friend and contemporary, the late Cuban leader,Fidel Castro,his stronghold over the country for most part of his rule ensured that he was an ever present feature in our consciousness. Images of the charismatic ruler in his favourite military fatigues, either taking part in communal activities with the citizenry,addressing the nation on pertinent national issues and reviewing national parades dominated the state owned print and electronic media. But a combination of factors and circumstances ensured that Rawlings returned the country to democracy. going on to rule as a democratic leader for eight of the toddling years of the fourth republic. His crowning glory came when he surprisingly ceded power to John Kufuor of the then opposition NPP, who had come out triumphant in elections held at the twilight of Rawlings's rule.this singular act by Rawlings boosted his international image and placed him in the exclusive league of the few African leaders who yielded power without compulsion. days to Rawlings' death,images of him in a very mournful and reflective mood at his mother's funeral dominated social media. They showed a man gutted and broken at the death of his beloved mum,an image hardly associated with the tough guy during his long years in national politics. Months to her death, Rawlings had spoken fondly of his mum in a wide ranging interview with Veteran Journalist, Kweku Sakyi-Addo. There would be another opportunity to dissect the impact of Rawlings on Ghana, without thought his impact was heavy and would be difficult to erase. For now one would hope that the calm that his death,as unfortunate as it is has foisted on the nation, will hold the desperate political elite in check as we head to the polls and ensure that they tone down the acidic political rhetoric in reverence to the departed statesman. The next few weeks will be telling! For now, may the soul of Jerry John Rawlings continue to rest in peace! Credit: Rodney Tsenuokpor Disclaimer: ThinkNews Online is not responsible for words uttered in this write-up this the indication of the author's name.

The internet has been struck with shock as a picture and video of late Former President Rawlings' side chick, Nathalie Yamb popped up. The beautiful pictures has generated lots of mixed reactions on social media as some have described Madam Yamb as a matured side chick. However, a section of the public say they are still in the state of shock adding they never expected the Late head of state to have a side chick or even cheat on his wife. Late President Rawlings died in the early hours of Thursday 12 at the Korle But Teaching Hospital after he was rushed there to seek medical attention. It is also emerging that Mada Yamb has a handsome son with the deceased former head of state. See video and pictures below: Story by: Mandy Adwoa Woods

Former Chief of the Defense Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier-General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah (Rtd), has stated that the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) offers the best options to transform the country. He said the GUM under its leader, Reverend Christian Kwabena Andrews, would provide disciplined leadership and prudent management of resources to put the country in its right place. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-all-sporting-events-should-be-played-behind-closed-doors-ministry-of-youth-and-sports “The country has no future under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). That is why Rev. Andrews, who is popularly known as Osofo Kyiriabosom, is coming to lead the country to its rightful place,” he told the Daily Graphic in an interview. Joining GUM Party Brig-Gen. Nunoo-Mensah, who served in the Prof. J. E. A. Mills administration as Security Advisor, said he joined GUM to help change the spectacle of dissipation of resources, youth unemployment and under-development. He said the youth as he saw them now did not have any future “and I am here with GUM to change things for the youth and not for power”. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-c-k-akonnor-eyes-victory-in-first-competitive-game-as-ghana-coach He said he could not see the NPP or the NDC providing that positive change and was convinced that GUM had the right antidote for the country. NPP Association As a patriot, Brig-Gen. Nunoo-Mensah said the two major political parties were no longer options for him. He said he was once President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s closest friend and his campaign manager in 1998 but had opted not to join the NPP because it was not a good party for him to join. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos GUM, he said, was determined to bring Ghana back on the track of self-reliance, discipline and transformation. Security Agencies Brig-Gen. Nunoo-Mensah said it was time for ruling parties to differentiate between state and political institutions as way of building state institutions. He said the appointment of heads of state institutions and political recruitment into state security agencies were causing a great havoc to the country. Brig-Gen. Nunoo-Mensah, therefore, called on the electorate to open up their eyes, ears and assess their lifestyles and vote wisely on December 7, 2020. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/breaking-news-j-j-rawlings-dies-at-73 #GhanaVotes2020 Source: GraphicOnline.com

Organizers of Yaw Sarpong's peace song launch, Think Media Expert wish to announce to the general public that in view of the sudden death of former President Jerry John Rawlings, the date for the launch, originally scheduled for Friday,13th November,2020 has been postponed to Tuesday,17th November 2020. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-all-sporting-events-should-be-played-behind-closed-doors-ministry-of-youth-and-sports Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted. Story by: News Desk Report

Aduana Stars will open the 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League season at home when they welcome Hearts of Oak on Saturday. Paa Kwesi Fabin and his men would want to begin the campaign with a victory at the Nana Agyemang Badu I park. Aduana were leading the championship last term before its termination due to the coronavirus outbreak. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/breaking-news-j-j-rawlings-dies-at-73 Despite not making major reinforcements and also losing star midfielder Elvis Opoku to Legon Cities on the transfer deadline, they remain a force. Yahaya Mohammed netted a hat trick in last season's opener against Inter Allies FC, his availability for this match will be a booster for the Dormaa side. But the talisman who scored 11 goals in 14 games last term is a doubt for this weekend's fixture. Fabin would surely count on the experienced forward for a successful campaign. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos New recruit Emmanuel Osei Baffour could be making his first bow if he makes the Fire Boys match squad for the game. Hearts of Oak are journeying to Dormaa Ahenkro with the motive of opening the season with a victory over Aduana. The Phobians would be aiming to end their trophy droughtiness this term and that requires a very good start to the campaign. Hearts of Oak have not won the Ghana Premiership since they last clinched the ultimate in 2009. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-c-k-akonnor-eyes-victory-in-first-competitive-game-as-ghana-coach Edward Nii Odoom and his guys held the Fire Boys to a scoreless stalemate at the same venue last season. Abednego Tetteh and Abdul Aziz Nurudeen who tested positive for COVID-19 last week will not be making the trip to Dormaa Ahenkro. Nigerien import Abdourahmane Lawali is in line to make his debut for the Rainbow club on Saturday. Hearts of Oak will be missing the services of Nigerian striker Ademola Kuti who picked an injury in the pre-season. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-all-sporting-events-should-be-played-behind-closed-doors-ministry-of-youth-and-sports Ghana U20 skipper Daniel Afriyie Barnieh will join the Phobian squad for the game on Saturday. Source: Ghanasoccernet.com

Ghanaian Investigative Journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas has joined millions around the world to mourn and pay their tribute to the family of late President Rawlings following the demise of the former head of state. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/breaking-news-j-j-rawlings-dies-at-73 In a tweet sighted by ThinkNews Online, Anas said "You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things.” Papa J, thanks for inspiring us with your leadership in good and bad times" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos The Investigative Journalist added "Rest In Peace, Flight-Lieutenant" See embed tweet below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Nana Addo Dankwa-Akufo-Addo on Friday morning visited Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings to console the family on the death of former President Jerry John Rawlings. President Akufo-Addo led a government delegation to the Ridge residence of the former president following an official communication of the death to the government on Thursday evening. An entourage of key members of the government accompanied President Akufo-Addo to the Ridge residence of former President Rawlings where President Akufo-Addo met and interacted with former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/breaking-news-j-j-rawlings-dies-at-73 The president's arrival at the house of the late former president was preceded by that of other government officials including Vice President, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia and his wife Samira. Shock waves reverberated across the length and breadth of the country late Thursday morning as the disturbing news of the demise of former President Jerry John Rawlings broke. The former President, who had ruled the country from 1981 to 1992 as Chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and from 1993 to 2000 as a democratically elected President, died at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. The family, which confirmed the sad news of his death, said he had passed away after a short illness. A statement signed by a daughter of the former President, Dr Zanetor Rawlings, requested privacy “at this difficult moment” and gave an assurance that funeral arrangements would be announced in due course. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-c-k-akonnor-eyes-victory-in-first-competitive-game-as-ghana-coach Like a thunderbolt, the death of the 73-year-old Rawlings, Ghana's longest-serving Head of State, hit the nation hard and all the heated political activities have been grounded until further notice. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo declared seven days of national mourning, from today Friday, November 13, 2020, in memory of former President Rawlings. The President has also directed that all national flags should fly at half-mast throughout the country for the next seven days. The flag at the Jubilee House has started flying at half-mast. “In honour of the memory of former President Rawlings, the Vice-President and I have suspended our political campaigns for the same period,” he said. President Akufo-Addo, who together with the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, announced the suspension of their campaigns, also conveyed the deep condolences of the government and the people of Ghana to the wife of the late President and former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, their children and the family “in these difficult times”. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Dramani Mahama, has also suspended his six day campaign tour of the Ashanti Region following the death of the founder of the party. Mr Mahama described the onetime military leader and two-time President of the Fourth Republic as an "iconic leader", and that the NDC needed time and concentration to mourn his passing and celebrate his legacies. Many associates of the former President, including those who served in his government, have been visiting his Ridge residence to commiserate with the family of the former President, who supervised the burial and funeral of his mother only about three weeks ago. Personalities who visited the Rawlings residence included International Evangelist and former cadre, Rev. Dr Lawrence Tetteh; boxing legend, Professor Azumah Nelson; a former Minister of Health, Mr Samuel Nuamah-Donkoh; a former Minister of Education, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah; businessman, Mr Alfred Agbesi Woyome; a former Minister of Transport, Mrs Dzifa Attivor; a former Minister of Defence, Dr Ben Kunbuor; a former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, and a former Central Regional Minister, Mr Aquinas Tawiah Quansah. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-mahama-suspends-ashanti-regional-tour-over-rawlings-death-video The news of the passing of the former President, whom many describe as a charismatic leader, has broken the hearts of many in the regions, with some expressing surprise at the sudden death. While social media is buzzing with messages of condolence from across the world, people who worked closely with him are yet to come to terms with the untimely death of the celebrated statesman. Source: GraphicOnline.com

The Communications Directorate at the Ministry of Youth and Sports says in line with the directives of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to organize football matches behind closed doors without spectators in the midst of covid-19 pandemic spike globally, it is directing all sporting events including the premier league matches to be played behind closed doors without spectators. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/breaking-news-j-j-rawlings-dies-at-73 In a communique sighted by ThinkNews Online, it said "All teams must also ensure testing of their team members as required for matches. Any team without covid-19 test clearance will not be allowed into any of our sporting facilities for training or matches" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos The Ministry says it is wishing all teams well in the coming sporting events. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-c-k-akonnor-eyes-victory-in-first-competitive-game-as-ghana-coach See the release and pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaians will today, November 13, 2020 begin a seven day period of national mourning for the late president, Jerry John Rawlings. The Former president passed on yesterday after a short illness, throwing the entire nation into a mournful mood. As a sign of respect to the departed statesman, all flags across the nation are to fly at half mast. a communication from the president announcing the seven day period of national mourning reads: READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-mahama-suspends-ashanti-regional-tour-over-rawlings-death-video "I have directed that all national flags should fly at half-mast for the next seven (7) days in all parts of the country, and have declared seven days of national mourning from Friday, 13th November to Friday, 20th November. In honor of the memory of former president Rawlings, the vice president and I have suspended our political campaigns for the same period ", the President announced. I'm extremely disturbed and saddened by Rawlings' death- Akufo-Addo. The president has meanwhile expressed profound sadness and regret at the death of ex-president Jerry John Rawlings, whom he described as a man with great energy and dynamism. He said news of president Rawlings' passing has left him extremely disturbed and saddened. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/breaking-news-j-j-rawlings-dies-at-73 President Akufo-Addo was speaking at the flag staff house when the Family of the late president called on him to officially inform him of the ex president's demise. The president said he was yet to fully assimilate the unfortunate information. "I was given this information on Thursday morning when I arrived at the office. I find it hard, up to now , to really assimilate this information. This is a man with great vitality, dynamism and energy ", he said. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos "He and I had a tempestuous relationship... I believe that we came to see value in each other by the end. I am extremely disturbed and saddened by his passage", Akufo-Addo added. Story by Rodney Tsenuokpor

Late Flt. Lt. Jeremiah Kwesi Rawlings John was born on Sunday 22, June, 1947 to late James Ramsey John, a renowned chemist from Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire in Scotland and late Victoria Agbotui, a native of Dzelukope in Keta in the Volta Region. EDUCATION The Late Flt. Lt. Jeremiah Kwesi Rawlings John had his education at the Achimota School in Accra After completing his education at Achimota school, the late Former President later continued at the Military Academy School in Teshie in the Greater Accra Region. After successfully completing his training at the Military Academy School, Late Rawlings found himself in Takoradi to continue his education and completed in 1968 as a Pilot Officer, claiming a "Speed Bird Trophy" as the best cadet in flying the Su-7 ground attack supersonic jet aircraft as he was skilled in aerobatics. Late Rawlings later earned Flight Lieutenant in April 1978. While under the Ghana Air Force, Rawlings professed a decline in chastisement and morale due to corruption in the Supreme Military Council (SMC). As elevation took him into connection with the fortunate classes and their social values, his view of the prejudices in civilization hardboiled. He was thus stared with some restlessness by the SMC. After the 1979 coup, he tangled himself with the student community of the University of Ghana, where he settled a more collectivist thought through reading and dialogue of social and political ideas. 1979 MILITARY AND COUP Late Rawlings grew disgruntled with Ignatius Kutu Acheampong's government, which had come to power through a coup in January 1972. Late Acheampong was suspected not only of bribery, but also of continuing Ghana's reliance on pre-colonial influences that led to monetary waning and poverty. Rawlings found himself part of the Free Africa Movement, an subversive crusade of military brigadiers who wanted to amalgamate Africa through a successions of overthrows. Late President Rawlings and some soldiers in May 1979 thespian a revolution against the General Fred Akuffo, it did not succeed He was then sentenced to death for his coup acts but some soldiers managed to get him out of prison in 1979 On 24 September 1979, supremacy was calmly given to him by then President Hilla Limann. Two years later, Rawlings expelled President Hilla Limann in a coup d'etat on 31 December 1981, demanding that noncombatant rule was frail and the country's economy was worsening. The assassinations of the Supreme Court Justices (Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Frederick Sarkodie, and Kwadjo Agyei Agyepong), military officers Major Sam Acquah and Major Dasana Nantogmah also befell in the second military rule of Rawlings. See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Loyalist of the ruling News Patriotic Party (NPP), Hajia Fati has accused the flagbearer of the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama of being responsible for the death of Ex President Rawlings. According to her, John Mahama used Late President Rawlings as a sacrifice in a bid to win the upcoming 2020 general elections. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/watch-mahama-suspends-ashanti-regional-tour-over-rawlings-death-video In a video making waves on social media, Hajia Fati was captured saying "John Mahama, you have succeeded in killing Rawlings. You used his as sacrifice in your quest to win the election 2020. You will also die like a fowl. You killed Atta Mills. You are currently with the Asantehene. Asantehene, be on your guard else, he will kill you as well" It is however unknown what triggered Hajia Fati to go hard on Candidate Mahama. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/breaking-news-j-j-rawlings-dies-at-73 The viral video has received mixed reactions from some scores of social media users. Late Former President Rawlings died on Thursday morning at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/lifestyle-how-to-naturally-avoid-pregnancy-without-using-contraceptives-photos The former head of state was 73 years. Watch video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith