A powerful government delegation yesterday consoled former President Jerry John Rawlings and his family following the death of Madam Victoria Agbotui, mother of the first President of the Fourth Republic.
Led by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the delegation expressed condolences to the Rawlings household and pledged government’s support while the family mourns their beloved mother and grandmother.
Members of the delegation included Chief of Staff Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Minister for Finance Ken Ofori Atta, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Energy Peter Amewu, Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister Elizabeth Sackey, Deputy Minister for Roads and MP for Lawra Anthony Karbo Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Perry Okudzeto, MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon Lydia Alhassan and NPP National Organizer Sammy Awuku.
Mrs. Agbotui who celebrated her 101st birthday a few weeks ago died in the early hours of Thursday, September 24.
In a short speech, the Vice President expressed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government’s deepest sorrow at the unfortunate incident.
He indicated that the President is out of town but would have loved to visit the family in person to commiserate with them.
However, the Vice President has given assurance that when President Akufo-Addo returns, he would surely visit the former first family in-person to pay his respects and sympathize with them for their loss.
Dr. Bawumia noted that it is difficult when one loses a beloved family, but more so when one loses a mother.
He stated that even though Mr. Rawlings is known to be a strong person, losing his beloved mother would have its effects on him.
Vice President Bawumia has therefore pledged the support of the government and that of Ghanaians in these difficult times as the former President prepares to bid farewell to their beloved mother.
A spokesperson for the family indicated that Mr. Rawlings, as custom demands, should have made some remarks but noted that due to circumstances he was unable to do so.
He therefore expressed the former President’s gratitude to the delegation and government for finding time to console the family.
He explained that the final funeral rites would be held on 24th October 2020 at the forecourt of the State House after which the body would be conveyed to Anlo for internment.
Meanwhile, the Rawlingses have asked the public to respect their privacy as they deal with their loss.
Former President Rawlings, in a statement, expressed gratitude to all who have and continue to express their sympathies but “requests all to respect their privacy during this difficult period.”
