The Vice-President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC), has urged Ghanaians to uphold the virtue and values cherished by former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle stated that the virtue of probity, accountability and transparency which the former statesman stood for should be incorporated in their daily activities.

“Let us take hold today, in the presence of God, to work conscientiously to establish these virtues of probity, accountability and transparency in our own individual lives and in the social and political life and service of our country Ghana.

Speaking at the Requiem Mass held for the late president at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra yesterday, he indicated that the country should look with "unbiased eyes" at late president Rawlings' "personal crusade" and uphold those virtues.

“This will be the worthiest legacy and embodiment we can build to his name and for posterity, not to forget that once there lived a man, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, who abhorred unrighteousness and tried to sanitise the country.”

The Catholic requiem mass was held on Sunday at the Holy Spirit Cathedral as part of a four-day national funeral rite for the late statesman.

The event witnessed a gathering of members from the two major political parties; the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including former President John Mahama and Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin.

Present at the memorial was President Akufo-Addo and his Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia together with their spouses; First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo and Samira Bawumia.

In line with the activities planned, Mr Rawlings will be laid in state on for 2 days; Monday, January 25, and Tuesday, January 26, at the Accra International Conference Centre for various interest groups and members of the public to have an opportunity to pay their last respects.