Justice of the Supreme Court, Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi has described former President Jerry John Rawlings as a phenomenal leader by all standards.

He said he discovered this during an encounter with the former President.

"My personal habit is always to avoid big men so I had managed to avoid Mr Rawlings in all manner of circumstances but he tracked me down," he shared.

"We had a mutual friend, and his current aide, had special duties to make sure he waited for me in my office and tracked me down and got me to meet President Rawlings," he added.

Mr Kulendi said upon finally meeting the late president, he discovered Mr Rawlings had a very intriguing and infectious personality.

"He commented on everything from my haircut to my tie, my shirt, my cufflinks, my shoes, my socks, and said that he was inspired," he stated.

Justice Kolendi stated that former President Rawlings will forever be remembered for his impact and leadership.

Former President Jerry John Rawlings, 73, died yesterday at the Korle-Bu teaching hospital after a short illness.

Following his demise, many including Justice Kulendi have expressed their condolences to his family.

"Love or loathe him, he was a great leader," he added.