We didn't see eye-to-eye at first but he later helped me with good counsel - Nana Addo eulogizes Rawlings

President Nana Akufo-Addo has paid a glowing tribute to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings as he makes his final journey to eternity today, January 27, 2021.

Akufo-Addo lauded the late President for being a wise counsel to him in the last years before he died, even though the two were fierce opponents in his (Akufo-Addo) early years as a politician.

Nana Addo admitted that the rift between the two of them was no secret as they did not see 'eye-to-eye', but they both became close friends later before his demise on November 12 last year.

“We came to see value in each other and understood to a very large degree, our respective perspectives. One thing we had in common was our mutual commitment to public service, my visit to his Ridge residence in 2012 signified the easing of tensions between us, leading to a friendship that lasted for the better part of some eight years,” President Akufo-Addo said.

“From my entry into office right up to the day he was called by his maker he remained a good friend and a repository of sound advice. I knew that in moments of difficulty in my presidency, I could count on his considerable wealth of experience and knowledge. On those occasions, he came through for me. It was a symbolic gesture,” he added.

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Jerry John Rawlings who happened to be the founder of the National Democratic Congress died at the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital last year following a short illness.

A 4-day funeral service has been organised for him by the state, starting from January 24 to 27 to allow for leaders of the country at various levels and the general citizenry to pay their last respect to their late legend before his interment.

He will be laid to rest at the Military Cemetery in Accra today.

He was survived by Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and four children.