Global football governing body FIFA has officially written to the Ghana Football Association to mourn the death of former Ghana President Ft. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings.
Rawlings died at the Korle Bu Teaching hospital in Accra at age 73 on Thursday.
In a letter signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary-General Fatma Samoura as sighted by SPORTSWorldGhana, FIFA said:
”It was with emotion and sadness that we learned of the passing of His Excellency Jerry Rawlings, former President of the Republic of Ghana.
”Tributes are flowing from the African continent and elsewhere to salute his memory, and we would like herewith to join them.
”As President over the destiny of Ghana from 1993 to 2001, statesman recognized for his passion, discipline and values, charismatic leader having liberalised Ghana’s economy, encouraging investment in key economic sectors, H.E Jerry Rawlings will not be forgotten.
”On behalf of the members of the international football community, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Ghana Football Association, to your government and to the Ghanaian people in these difficult times” the statement concluded.
Jerry John Rawlings (22 June 1947 – 12 November 2020) was a Ghanaian military officer and politician who led the country from 1981 to 2001 and also for a brief period in 1979. He led a military junta until 1992, and then served two terms as the democratically elected President of Ghana.
