Council of State, others commiserate with Rawlings

A delegation from the Council of State, led by its Chairman, Nana Otuo Sereboe II, the Juabenghene, called on former President Rawlings and the Agbotui Family to commiserate with them on the loss of Madam Victoria Agbotui, Rawlings’ mother.

Nana Otuo Sereboe said: "The loss of a mother is a painful experience...though you have lost your biological mother, you have a very formidable mother in the person of my sister, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, who has stood by you and will continue to stand by you and we also support her to stand by you through thick and thin.”

An official statement signed by Mr Kobina Andoh Amoakwa, the Head of Communications Directorate of the former President' Office, said like President Akufo-Addo, Nana Otuo Sereboe confessed that when he lost his mother he temporarily forgot he was a chief and wept like a baby.

He recalled the former President sending the then Chairman of the Council of State, Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, to mourn with him in New Juabeng.

“That action really touched my heart, so it is probably ordained that I should also mourn with you in the position that I honourably occupy as Chairman of the Council of State,” he said.

"We want to assure you that we will be with you in all the activities marking Madam Agbotui’s funeral. Take heart as the Lord is with you and will always be with you,” the Eminent Traditional Leader told President Rawlings and his family.

Also present to commiserate with the family was the Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Accra, Christopher Lamora.

Mr Lamora told President Rawlings and his family that he was conveying the condolences of Ambassador Stephanie Sullivan, the Government and people of the United States and the Embassy on the loss of Madam Agbotui.

“I do wish her safe passage, perfect peace and all of you, comfort. I learnt from a former Deputy Head of Mission that your mother showed a passion for taking care of the less fortunate. She left a lasting legacy,” Mr Lamora said.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps, led by its Dean, Colombian Ambassador to Ghana, Claudia Turbay Quintero, also called on the former President.

Ambassador Quintero said the group visited to express their condolences, solidarity and warmth on the loss of Madam Agbotui.

Ambassador Quintero was accompanied by Ambassador Dr Aisa Kirabo Kacyira of Rwanda, Namibian Ambassador to Ghana, Charles Josob, Japanese Ambassador Tsutomu Himeno, Ambassador of the European Union, Diana Acconcia, Abdulfatah Ahmed Khalil Alsattari of the State of Palestine and Kenyan Ambassador to Ghana, Eliphas Mugendi Barine.

They all took turns to express their condolences to former President Rawlings and his family.

The Graphic Communications Group, led by its Managing Director, Ato Afful, who were also present to express their sympathies, pledged their support to ensure a fitting send-off for Madam Agbotui.

Mr Ato Afful was accompanied by Editor of The Graphic, Kobby Asmah, Franklin Sowah, Director of Marketing and Sales, Charles Amoako, Director Technical, and Yvonne Aryee of Corporate Communications.

The Graphic Group “prays that Madam Agbotui finds consolation in the bosom of the Lord for giving this nation a proud son and a gallant leader, who has been instrumental in the history of this land for decades".

The National Democratic Party, led by its General Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Frimpong also called on the former President and his family to convey its sympathies.

Ambassador Dan Abodakpi, Stool Father of the Anlo State and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the funeral, welcomed all the delegation and expressed the profound gratitude of the family to all for their show of solidarity and commiseration.

He confirmed that the funeral of Madam Agbotui will take place at the forecourt of the State House on Saturday, October 24, after which the body will be conveyed to Dzelukope for interment.