The Parish Priest of the Christ the King Catholic Church, Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, has revealed how former President Jerry John Rawlings helped him secure land at Jamestown after several years of dispute.

According to the Irish-based Ghanaian missionary, he had fought over the land with state officials and politicians for over nine years.

In an interview, Rev. Father Andrew Campbell recounted fond memories of the late Jerry John Rawlings. He described the statesman as a selfless individual.

He also revealed that the former President stepped in to help after knowing how the land would benefit the people of Jamestown.

“The late President asked why I wanted the land and I told him I needed to train and equip the youth of Jamestown with vocational skills.

“That is where we have the Sacred Heart Vocational Institute built. It was once a Dutch cemetery and later converted to a volleyball pitch."

He further disclosed that Mr Rawlings, who paid him a visit before his demise to find out the state of affairs was impressed by what he witnessed.

“Just a few weeks ago, he came to church and was so impressed by the mass servers that he invited us to his house.

"He paid their fees and gave their parents something to take care of them. That’s how selfless Rawlings was,” he eulogised.

The founder of the National Democratic Congress, Jerry John Rawlings passed away on November 12, while undergoing treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.