President of the Sunyani Traditional Council in the Bono Region, Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, has eulogised Former President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, describing his demise as untimely and one that hit him hard.

The former President, who died after a short illness on 12th November 2020, was buried Wednesday 27th January 2021 at the Military Cemetery in Accra.

His burial followed a State funeral at the Black Star Square.

Speaking on behalf of the Omanhene during a press briefing at his Palace in Sunyani, Nana Oboaman Bofotia Boamponsem II, Krontihene of the Sunyani Traditional Council, recounted the special relationship that existed between Sunyani-Manhene and the late Rawlings which dates back to 1982, two years after Nana Bosoma ascended the throne as the Chief of Sunyani.

He described the first President of the 4th Republic as a great inspirational leader, a pillar, and a man of principle who never compromised on what he believed in.

“Rawlings was not only a friend to the Omanhene, but his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, was also a great friend of the late Queen Mother of Sunyani, Nana Yaa Nyamaa Puduo who passed on two years ago, he noted. 

It will be recalled that the late Rawlings attended her funeral rites in Sunyani last year, he added.

Further recounting memories of the late former President, the Krontihene said, "The Council has lost a good friend".

Nana Bofotia chronicled numerous developmental projects that opened the Region under Rawlings' reign.

These include the extension of the asphalt road from Kumasi to Dormaa via Sunyani, the connection of the then Brong-Ahafo Region to the National Electricity grid at a time critics rose against the decision on the premise that the Akosombo Dam would recede if the extension of the electricity is carried out. 

Ghana’s longest-serving Head of State also constructed the Regional Hospital in Sunyani among many other infrastructural developments birthed by his association with the Sunyani Traditional Council.

He said it helped transform Sunyani and the entire region to its present status and created jobs for many residents.

“The bravery of J.J. Rawlings helped restore the Paramountcy status of the Sunyani Traditional Council after it was revoked during the coup d’état in 1966," he revealed.

He added that there was a time Rawlings honoured Nana Manhene’s 25th anniversary when the Council’s committee could not extend an invitation to him, proving the kind of love and relationship that existed between them. 

He said if there was the need for the Traditional Council to have done something humanly possible to see the former President live longer, they would not have hesitated to assemble all their arsenal to save their friend.

He, however, noted that “God knows why he had to leave this earth at this time”.

“His death was sudden and his love, counsel, and friendship will be missed,” he said.

Nana Bosoma prayed to God to grant the wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, his children, the entire Anlo family, the people of Sunyani, and Ghana the strength of heart to endure the pain of the loss.