Visiting Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has paid tribute to Ghana’s late former President, Jerry John Rawlings, by laying a wreath at his tomb in the Military Cemetery in Accra.
The solemn ceremony, held on Thursday, was attended by members of the Rawlings family, senior government officials and military leaders.
President Oligui Nguema described the late Ghanaian leader as a source of inspiration, praising his patriotism and unwavering commitment to Africa’s development and unity.
In a statement read on his behalf, the Gabonese President said President Rawlings’ dedication to the ideals of sovereignty, justice and progress continues to inspire both present and future generations.
He noted that Rawlings’ speeches and writings had influenced Gabon’s political transition, contributing to reforms that have promoted transparency, peaceful governance and credible democratic processes.
“I would like to hail the contributions of this great man to a strong and united Africa,” the statement said.
The ceremony was attended by National Security Advisor Prosper Bani, Deputy Minister for Defence Brogya Genfi, Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General William Agyapong and other dignitaries.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the family, Executive Director of the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, expressed gratitude to President Oligui Nguema for the gesture and thanked the Government of Ghana for its continued support in preserving the legacy of the late former President.
She described the wreath-laying ceremony as a reaffirmation of the longstanding friendship between Ghana and Gabon, built on shared Pan-African ideals championed by President Rawlings and other African leaders.
Ms. Agyeman-Rawlings said the occasion served as a reminder of the responsibility placed on the current generation of leaders to strengthen the bonds forged by their predecessors for the benefit of both nations.
Among members of the Rawlings family present were family head Col. (Rtd.) Joshua Agbotui, Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, Fritz Baffour, General Benjamin Kusi and Nana Kobi Agyeman-Prempeh.
