NPP Should Stop Hijacking Rawlings’ Burial, He Is Our Own – Asiedu Nketiah

General Secretary for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia says President Akufo-Addo should not ‘hijack’ the burial activities of late former President Rawlings.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Asiedu Nketia stated that the NDC would not be treated as a guest when it comes to the funeral arrangement of its ‘late founder’, Ft Lt Jerry John Rawlings.

“Everything about this funeral, so far, depicts an attempt by an opponent to hijack the funeral of the founding father of our political party, and we don’t think the funeral of our party founder ought to be organised somewhere, and we get invited,” he said.

Mr Asiedu Nketia reiterated that although the NDC would partake in the state burial of Rawlings, it would not back down in hosting another burial in honour of its founder.

“We have directed all branches of our party countrywide to organise events that will give a fitting celebration of the life of our founder. We will participate (in the national funeral) but that will not stop us from organising our own thing.”

According to the NDC’s General Secretary, the president of the country and flagbearer of the NPP has failed to honour the late Rawlings as the founder of the opposition party in his commiseration to the bereaved family.

“We were sorely disappointed that Akufo-Addo, even in issuing a statement of condolence, refused or failed to recognize the fact that President Rawlings was the founder of the NDC.

“It is against all the different practices we have been engaged in, in the past, as far as the death of prominent members of the two political parties is concerned,” he added.

His comments come after the demise of the first president of the Fourth Republic, Jerry John Rawlings on November 12, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after contracting the deadly Covid-19.

After the demise of the founder of the party, an NDC delegation led by John Dramani Mahama visited the Rawlings’ family to share their condolences and also discuss the way forward.

Several political parties including the NPP and the NDC have suspended all campaign activities in honour of the late President.

President Akufo-Addo has also declared a 7-day national mourning period during which all flags will fly at half-mast in Mr Rawlings’ honour.

He has also tasked the Chief of Staff and the Rawlings’ family to work together and complete plans for the burial of the late head of state.

Source: Joy News

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