Rawlings storms wedding uninvited

Former President Jerry Rawlings over the weekend caused a stir at Encom Hotel in the Techiman municipality when he stormed a wedding reception uninvited at the hotel’s garden.

Mr. Rawlings who had checked into the hotel late Friday after paying a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the Techiman traditional area, Oseadeayo Akumfi Ameyaw IV was just about to vacate the premises when he noticed that the reception was in session.

He walked straight to the entrance of the gardens and inquired what was happening and was told it was a wedding reception for a newly-wedded couple.

Without hesitation, Mr. Rawlings walked in to a loud cheer of “JJ, JJ, JJ by participants, shook hands with all dignitaries on the high table and took a seat at the extreme right-hand corner of the high table close to some bridesmaids to the amazement of other guests.

He was occasionally caught admiring the bridal party who also stole glances at him, perhaps wondering who might have invited him to the function as his name was not among dignitaries tabled to attend the event.

His presence, which brought proceedings to a halt, saw the invited guests struggling to take photographs with him.

After few minutes of sitting and following proceedings, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) founder excused himself and left the scene with his security detail.

Mr. Rawlings, who is said to be on a peace tour, swerved NDC party supporters within the Techiman municipality a day earlier who anticipated he was in the area to campaign for the flagbearer John Dramani Mahama.

Enthusiastic supporters who were on motorbikes rode to the outskirts of the town to usher in the former president who was coming from Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital.

However to their surprise, the convoy of the former president led by a police dispatch rider, bypassed them and went straight to the chief’s palace where the main entrance was opened for him.

After few minutes of interactions with the traditional ruler and the queen mother of the Techiman traditional area, Hemaa Abrefikoto, Mr. Rawlings emerged and advised party supporters not to allow any kind of provocation to mar this year’s elections.