Former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings has died at the age of 73.
According to various reports, the former West African leader died at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra, Ghana, where he spent more than one week after being admitted.
Rawlings overthrew then-ruler General Frederick Akuffo in 1979 when he was an army lieutenant. He handed over power to civilian rule soon after but then led another coup two years later, decrying the government’s corruption and weak leadership.
From 1981 to 1993, Rawlings ruled as chairman of a joint military-civilian government. In 1992 he was elected president under a new constitution, taking up that office the following year and serving two terms before handing over power to John Kufour who succeeded him in 2001.
After stepping down, Rawlings remained a power broker in Ghanian politics while serving in various international diplomatic posts, including as the African Union’s representative in Somalia.
Tributes immediately started pouring in on social media for the former president.
The saddest news of this year, my GOD, former PRESIDENT JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS of Ghana has passed on; I’m completely devasted! Good night, an African hero… RIP.
— Dele Momodu Ovation (@DeleMomodu) November 12, 2020
One thing is for sure, history will never forget Jerry John Rawlings.
— miss forson (@lydiaforson) November 12, 2020
You’ve Paid your Dues to the Development of this Nation and your Legendary Status can’t be Questioned, R.I.P to Formal President Jerry John Rawlings. Rest well till we meet again
— Mad. REBECCA AKUFFO(First Lady) (@_RebeccaAkuffo) November 12, 2020
Story compiled with assistance from Reuters and wire reports.
