Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua, Kumawumanhene, the representative of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Tuesday joined mourners to pay the last respect to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

The mortal remains of former President Rawlings is laying in state at the AICC Foyer for public viewing, as part of a four-day elaborate state funeral.

The late former President was married to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a Princess from the Asanteman Royal Family.

In line with Asanteman tradition the delegation, on behalf of the Asantehene and the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, presented customary drinks and gifts and an amount of GH¢5,000.00 as funeral donation to the bereaved family.

Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua, who spoke on behalf of the Asantehene, said: “We are in Accra to mourn our friend and in-law.”He recalled that the Otumfuo, in 2010, conferred on former President Rawlings a traditional title; “Agyewodin,” for promoting democracy in Ghana.

Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua said anytime there was a major event at the Manhyia Palace, the former President attended and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
He prayed for national unity and peace, saying that was what the late former President stood for.

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the eldest child of former President Rawlings and the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for the honour.