Moments after the announcement of the death of former President Jerry John Rawlings, Ghanaians have been thrown into a state of shock.

The sad event happened at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Thursday after battling the novel coronavirus at age 73.

The founder of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) was last seen in public on October 19, during the final funeral rites leading to the burial of his mother, Victoria Agbotui.

Personalities in Ghana and abroad are expressing their commiserations while communicating their fondest memories of the respected statesman via social media.

Hé wasn’t just the leader of the most baddest band in Ghana, he was also a Blood Donor 😍. I celebrate the passing of a man of absolute charisma! RIP F.L Jerry John Rawlings 🕊 ❤️. pic.twitter.com/Fbp8FTMB9f

— PRESIDER (@iam_presider) November 12, 2020

On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Liberia, and in my own name, I wish to convey deepest and profound sympathy to the government and people of Ghana, the Rawlings family and the entire Africa for the death of a great statesman, Former President..... pic.twitter.com/HoGxb1owRP

— George Weah (@GeorgeWeahOff) November 12, 2020

REST IN PEACE JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS

— John Agyekum Kufuor (@JohnAKufuor) November 12, 2020

Ghana and Africa just lost former President J. J. Rawlings, however, his sense of humour will never be forgotten.
This is really a black Thursday. 😢😭
RIP Sir. Rest In Power Papa J. pic.twitter.com/jC6kOhgYKL

— Nana Adu Gaucho (@GauchoSports1) November 12, 2020

RIP Jerry Rawlings🙏🙏🙏

— Davido (@davido) November 12, 2020

I can't believe it, Papa J just buried his mum three weeks ago. So sad😩😩😪😪. My sincere condolences to the Rawlings family.
Rest in Peace Mr Rawlings or JJ, as you are affectionately called.

— Ama Cromwell (@cromwell_ama) November 12, 2020

Jerry John Rawlings was my good friend. A revolutionary and a great man. I recall how I would often visit him and his dear wife at his home in Ghana. He will be dearly missed. My condolences to the whole of Ghana and all the loved ones he left behind. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/lO12EPpzDw

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) November 12, 2020

You’ve served God & country as a firm charismatic leader. R.I.P former president J. J. RAWLINGS 🇬🇭🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/HrXYCNoxaC

— G i o v a n i (@GiovaniCaleb) November 12, 2020

Reading news that former President Rawlings has passed.

The time for reflections will follow on this towering figure of Ghanaian life. For now, all my thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/KORpkzRFpJ

— Iain Walker 🇬🇧🇬🇭🇹🇬🇧🇯🇧🇫🚲 (@walkeriain) November 12, 2020

These words are heavy from President Rawlings. Ghana has lost a true leader.

Rest in Power Papa Jay pic.twitter.com/1O72ke0Od4

— KOJO Prempeh (@kojoprempeh_) November 12, 2020

PAPA J And MUMMY J on the move
RIP
RAWLINGS #BreakingNews
R.I.P
Papa J pic.twitter.com/kqrWblZBic

— 🇬🇭🇱🇷🇺🇸 (@EmmanuelOheme13) November 12, 2020

One thing is for sure, history will never forget Jerry John Rawlings.

— miss forson (@lydiaforson) November 12, 2020

The saddest news of this year, my GOD, former PRESIDENT JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS of Ghana has passed on; I'm completely devasted! Good night, an African hero... RIP.

— Dele Momodu Ovation (@DeleMomodu) November 12, 2020

Ghana has lost a Great Man today.
He will never be forgotten. Rest Well Papa J Rip Rawlings pic.twitter.com/cDNODaHf9T

— Green (@greenaugustus44) November 12, 2020