A day after a devastating fire ravaged the Ridge residence of former President Flt. Lt. Rawlings, destroying all their personal effects, sympathisers are still thronging the premises to catch a glimpse of the burnt building and commiserate with the former first family. As workmen cleared debris, former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings spent a better part of the day greeting people from all walks of life. People stood in long queues to greet the former First Lady who had been joined by members of her family, members of the 31st December Women’s Movement and leading National Democratic Congress party functionaries. Nana Konadu said she was overwhelmed by the fact that people had travelled from as far as Tamale to wish them well. “I am thankful for all those who have offered their best wishes in diverse ways for their wonderful show of support,” she said. A political delegation comprising the Chairmen of the NDC, Dr Kwabena Adjei, NPP’s Peter Mac Manu and PNC’s Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan as well as Greater Accra Regional Chairman of CPP, Susan Amankwaa also paid a call on the former First Lady. Later the NPP Chairman told newsmen that the disaster was a matter of national concern and transcended political biases. He noted that the joint visit was a sign that politics cannot be allowed to cloud the issues of such nature. CPP’s 2008 flagbearer, Paa Kwesi Nduom whose offices are minutes away from the former President’s Ridge residence also called to console Mrs. Rawlings. Mr. Paul Victor Obeng, a leading member of the NDC and Chairman of the NUGS Council, followed him. Later in the afternoon, National Chief Imam, Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu and his council of elders also called to express their sympathies. Meanwhile the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) today sent a letter expressing regrets at the burning of the former President’s residence. A letter signed by Secretary General, Jean-Pierre Elong Mbassi said, “we are learning with great sorrow the burning of your home. In these sad circumstances, please accept our sincere regrets and our compassion. “The local governments community of Africa gathered within the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) is proud of what you are doing for the recovery of African dignity and are impressed by your accomplishments in Ghana and Africa as a whole. “We appreciated particularly your contribution as keynote speaker at the last Africities Summit in Marrakech in December 2009. Your thoughts were so inspiring for all of us. “You should therefore understand why we are so concerned by what happens to you. We thank the Almighty that there was no injury during this hazard. We pray that He gives you the courage to rebuild a new house and that He fills you and your family with His blessings. “Please accept our deep respect and good wishes,” the statement concluded. Source: Ex-President Rawlings’ blog site - http://jjrawlings.wordpress.com