Accra-based legal practitioner and a former Deputy Minister of Local Government under in ex-President Kufour’s administration, Captain Nkrabea Effah Dartey (rtd), has affirmed that he can never forgive the late former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings for the pain the latter caused to him.

He stated that even though the late President introduced him into the military, he was the same person who brought him down and caused his exit from the service under the pretext he wanted to contest him for the Presidency.

Speaking to Soiree News Bono Regional Correspondent, Nana Ama Asiedu on the demise of the former head of state as he is laid in state for family and friends to pay him their last respect, Capt Effah Dartey recalled with regret how a lot of people lost their lives due to the harsh treatment the nation suffered under the military regime of the late former President.

"How can Rawlings be forgiven for the innocent souls he killed, how can I forgive him for the pain he caused to me”, he queried, adding “he is even lucky to clock 70, so let him rest in peace whilst I also struggle to grow old and practise my law as well”.

The retired soldier is also a politician and a former Member of Parliament for Berekum in the 3rd and 4th parliaments of the fourth republic of Ghana.

A lawyer by profession, he has his own private law firm.

He served in the Ghana Armed Forces and attained the rank of Captain on 27 April 1983 but exited on 14 August 1983. Capt Effah Dartey runs the national secretariat of the Petroleum Retailers Association from 1987 to 2001.

The remains of former President Rawlings is lying in state at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

The body the late former President was clad in his full Ghana Air Force ceremonial uniform (light blue) with his badges and medals pinned on his chest.

The coffee-brown casket containing the remains of the former President is perched on a catafalque, surrounded by white flowers, propped on a red carpet with a glass screen to aid public viewing.

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A source at the Ministry of Information told the Ghana News Agency that as a former Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, his body will be guarded by four catafalque guards, all colonels.

The Ghana Prison Service and the Ghana National Fire Service provided the background music for the filing past.

Seated on the right side of the foyer were Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, widow, their four children, Colonel Joshua Agbotui (rtd), head of the family and other family members.

Three cultural troupes, namely Nananom Kete Cultural Troupe based in Accra,  Abirem Kete Cultural Troupe and Efritete Cultural Troupe, both from Kumasi performed the kete dance in honour of the departed hero.

Two giant portraits of the late former President adorned the frontage of the AICC.

The national flags within the premises of the AICC were all flying at half-mast.

The four-day state funeral, which was begun on Sunday, January 24, would have the main funeral event taking place at the Black Star Square in Accra on Wednesday, January 27.

The former President passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the age of 73.