Ghanaians mourn former President Jerry John Rawlings

Ghanaians across the world are mourning the passing of former President Jerry John Rawlings who has died at the age of 73. Rawlings is remembered for leading two coups, first in 1979, before twice being elected president in multiparty polls.

He has been described as a charismatic figure who first seized power railing against corruption and was responsible for executing several former heads of state for their alleged graft and mismanagement.

He was also seen as a champion of the poor, but came to be criticized for alleged human rights abuses. Rawlings died in hospital in the capital, Accra, after a short illness.

Government has since announced a week of national mourning for the country’s longest-serving leader, who oversaw the transition to multiparty elections in what is now one of Africa’s most stable democracies.