Rawlings: Why Mahama was 'blocked' from signing book of condolence after Akufo-Addo signed
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that former President John Mahama had been prevented from signing a book of condolence in honour of former President Jerry John Rawlings
Trending topics on the go: How we write news at YEN.com.gh
Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana
Our report followed a statement made by the national chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mahama led an NDC delegation to visit the family of Rawlings' on November 13, 2020, to commiserate with them over the death of Rawlings.
Source: Facebook
The former president died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where he was receiving treatment after falling ill a few days ago.
After meeting with Rawlings' family, Mahama and the NDC delegation moved to the Accra Conference Centre in bid to sign the book of condolence
But speaking on Asempa FM, Chairman Ofosu Ampofo disclosed Mahama could not get the opportunity because State Protocol turned him away.
In the interview on Ekosii Sen monitored by YEN.com.gh, Ofosu Ampofo indicated that:
“They [State Protocol] told us the book has been closed and it will be reopened on Monday."
Following the revelation, the show's host Osei Bonsu, popularly known as OB, reached out to State Protocol for an explanation.
The Ekosii Sen presenter stated that Mahama was not necessarily turned away or refused access but was scheduled to sign alter.
According to OB, his sources at State Protocol has revealed that the outfit had drawn a schedule for the signing of the book of condolence for Rawlings.
Mahama and the other living former president, John Agyekum Kufuor, have been pencilled to sing on Monday between 10:15 and 10:45 am.
Before the two former presidents, Speaker of Parliament Micke Ocquaye and Chief Justice Anin Yeboah are expected to sign between 9:00 and 10:00 am.
On Tuesday, former first ladies and second ladies and ministers of state will have the opportunity to sign.
Head of security services, heads of diplomatic missions, high-ranking clergymen, Achimota old students, and other groups will follow up until it gets to the turn of ordinary Ghanaians on Friday.
Each category of people has been assigned a time frame within which they can go and sign the book of condolence.
Meanwhile, President Nana Akufo-Addo has visited the residence of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Akufo-Addo paid the visit to console Rawlings' wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang on her loss.
Videos from Akufo-Addo's visit have popped up showing a very sombre atmosphere in the house.
Akufo-Addo was accompanied by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and other members of the government.
He later signed the book of condolence paying a glowing tribute to Rawlings.
Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition?
Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page
Source: YEN.com.gh
