Former President Jerry John Rawlings was in Lome, Togo on Sunday, August 30 to commiserate with the family of Édouard Kodjovi Kodjo, popularly known as Edem Kodjo.

The late statesman, who was a former Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and Prime Minister of Togo, passed away in April.

The former President was received in Aflao by the Togolese Minister of Security, General Yark Damehane, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Togolese Abroad, Prof Robert Komlan Edo Dussey.

Also present were officials of the Ghana Embassy in Lome.

Mr. Rawlings also used the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo.

Upon arrival in Lome, the former President first called on the family of the late Prime Minister and was received by the widow, Valentine Kodjo, the children and other family members.

The former President extended his sympathies to the deceased’ family and presented customary drinks and an undisclosed amount of cash to the family.

Former President Rawlings also visited the Cimetière de la Plage (Beach Cemetery) where the former Prime Minister is buried, to lay a wreath and pay his final respects to Mr. Edem Kodjo.

Before departing to Ghana, the former President called on and held private discussions with Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbe at his official residence.