The General Secretary for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) says President Akufo-Addo should not "hijack" the burial activities of late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Johnson Asiedu Nketia stated that the party would not be treated as a guest when it comes to the funeral arrangement of its founder.

"Everything about this funeral, so far, depicts an attempt by an opponent to hijack the funeral of the founding father of our political party, and we don't think the funeral of our party founder ought to be organised somewhere, and we get invited," he said.

He added, "We have directed all branches of our party countrywide to organise events that will give a fitting celebration of the life of our founder. We will participate (in the national funeral) but that will not stop us from organising our own thing."

According to Asiedu Nketia, President Akufo-Addo and flagbearer of the NPP has failed to honour the late Rawlings as the founder of the opposition party in his commiseration to the bereaved family.

"We were sorely disappointed that Nana Akufo-Addo, even in issuing a statement of condolence, refused or failed to recognise the fact that President Rawlings was the founder of the NDC.

"It is against all the different practices we have been engaged in, in the past, as far as the death of prominent members of the two political parties is concerned," he added.

The first president of the Fourth Republic died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after contracting Covid-19.

The NDC delegation led by John Dramani Mahama visited Mr Rawlings' family to commiserate with them and the rest of the family. The party also discussed the way forward and funeral arrangement with them.

Several political parties including the NPP and the NDC have suspended all campaign activities in honour of the late President.

President Akufo-Addo has also declared a 7-day national mourning period during which all flags will fly at half-mast in Mr Rawlings' honour.

He has also tasked the Chief of Staff and the Rawlings' family to work together and complete plans for the burial of the late head of state.