Ghana's former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Emmanuel Victor Smith, has described the NDC's founder, Jerry John Rawlings as a major character in the country’s fight for democracy.

Ambassador Victor Smith attributed Ghana’s development to the late President, explaining that coup d’états have especially been nonexistent in the 4^th Republic because of his decisions.

“He played a key role in putting an end to coup d’états in Ghana. That and then of course turning the 1992 constitution into law. So now everyone can say that for almost 30 years now we’ve had stability as far as our politics and democratic dispensation goes.

"He’s an icon known all over the world because he played a major role in keeping Ghana together,” he said.

Mr. Smith's comments follow the demise of former President Jerry John Rawlings, whose tragic death occurred at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on Thursday, October 12.

He was last seen in public on October 19, during the final funeral rites leading to the burial of his mother, Victoria Agbotui.

Mr. Smith described the late former president as a charismatic character who was also courageous.

According to him, Mr. Rawlings did not fear to administer public justice, hence the reason behind certain individual's perceptions of him.

The former military leader was born on 22 June 1947.

He ruled the country from 1981 to 2001 and also for a brief period in 1979.

He led a military junta until 1992, and then served two terms as the democratically elected President of Ghana.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has declared seven days of national mourning, in remembrance of the NDC founder.