The key political actors in Ghana’s democracy; the Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Ruling New Patriotic Party have both suspended their political campaigns following the death of former president JJ Rawlings on Thursday.
The NDC, a party that was founded by Mr. Rawlings in 1992 and is in the race to recapturing political power under former president John Mahama, its presidential candidate, abruptly ended a campaign tour of Obuasi in Ashanti ahead of the December general polls.
Similarly the NPP’s presidential candidate, President Nana Akufo Addo and his vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, have halted political activities.
The President in a statement said he and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia would be suspending their political campaigns for the period of national mourning.
Meanwhile the family has confirmed Mr. Rawlings demise on Thursday after a short illness.
A press release signed by his daughter, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings on a letter head of the office of JJ Rawlings, read:
“it is with deep sadness that the family of H.E. Jerry John Rawlings informs the general public that the former president of the republic, passed away on Thursday morning after a short illness.
The family requests privacy at such difficult moment.
Details of funeral arrangements will be announced in due cause.”