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 at the Military Cemetery in Accra.
The wreath-laying ceremony, held on Thursday, July 30, was attended by members of the Rawlings family, government officials and military officers.
President Oligui Nguema, who arrived in Ghana on Tuesday for an official visit, described the late Ghanaian leader as a patriot whose dedication to Africa’s development continues to inspire the people of Gabon.
In a statement read on his behalf, the Gabonese leader praised President Rawlings for his unwavering commitment to sovereignty, justice and progress across the continent.
He noted that Rawlings’ speeches and writings had contributed significantly to Gabon’s political transition, which he said has become an example of transparency, peace and credibility.
“His speeches and writings have notably contributed to the success story of Gabon’s transition, which is now quoted as an example in the world. We are now able to be transparent, peaceful and credible. 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 and the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Executive Director of the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, expressed the family’s appreciation 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 as a powerful symbol of the longstanding friendship between Ghana and Gabon, rooted in the Pan-African ideals championed by President Rawlings and other African leaders of his generation.
“This solemn gesture is a moving affirmation of the enduring camaraderie between the peoples of Ghana and Gabon—a friendship nurtured by President Jerry John Rawlings and the leaders of his generation, founded on mutual respect, Pan-African solidarity, and a shared vision for the progress of our continent,” she said.
Ms. Agyeman-Rawlings added that the occasion served as a reminder of the responsibility inherited by the current generation of leaders to preserve and strengthen the bonds established by their predecessors.
“May this wreath stand as a symbol that the baton of brotherhood has been passed to the present generation of leaders in Ghana and Gabon, who will continue to deepen the ties between our two nations for the benefit of our peoples,” she stated.
Members of the Rawlings family present at the ceremony included the family head, Colonel (Rtd) Joshua Agbotui, Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, Fritz Baffour, General Benjamin Kusi and Nana Kobi Agyeman-Prempeh.
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