If it was on a film set, Jackie Appiah would have asked for a re-take but in the home of the Rawlingses last Tuesday, the pretty actress did not have a second chance to re-organise her thoughts. Too soon, Papa Jerry had appeared and was shaking everybody’s hand. Jackie was saying in her head, “so that’s him!” Obviously still thrilled by the meeting one day after, Jackie told Showbiz on Wednesday that she had always seen former President Rawlings from a distance and she did not think an opportunity to meet him one-on-one would be so beautiful and unforgettable. Jackie in the company of other artistes, Kwabena Kwabena and Tinny, producer and presenter Kofi Okyere Darko as well as boxing legend Azumah Nelson had paid a courtesy call on the former President and First Lady Nana Konadu at their Ridge home in Accra. “The couple treated us like people they had known for years”, said Jackie. Jerry is down-to-earth open-minded and has the ability to make people feel at home. I didn’t think he was such a warm person”. Former President Rawlings used the opportunity to call on artistes to use their talent to demonstrate their sensitivity to society. He said performers portray what society represents and it is always important not to only illustrate the worst in society but also the best. He said that every professional is part of a composite that creates the whole society and contributes to its development or otherwise. “If we allow immorality to fester it will become a scourge in our society,” President Rawlings said. Touching on themes, the former President called on artistes not to pursue themes that degrade our society saying themes such as juju, sex and abuse of womanhood need to done away with as many see their portrayal as the norm. “When we allow that we perpetuate them in the minds of the society,” he said. The former President said it was important that artistes sometimes get off the stage and organise forums to discuss the impact role-playing has on them as individuals and society as a whole. Commending former World Boxing Champion, Barima Azumah Nelson for his high sense of determination and hard work, the former President counselled all artistes to emulate his example. “As a pilot, artiste or boxer you are using your profession to propagate a certain political message. The best political contribution you can make to your country is the extent to which we can bring the best out of society,” the former President said. Credit: Graphic Showbiz