Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has paid tribute to Ghana’s late former President Jerry John Rawlings, describing him as a statesman whose commitment to sovereignty, justice and progress continues to inspire Africa’s current and future generations. President Nguema laid a wreath at the tomb of the former Ghanaian leader at the Military Cemetery in Burma Camp, Accra, as part of his three-day official visit to Ghana.
The solemn ceremony was attended by members of the Rawlings family, led by the Executive Director of the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, alongside her siblings, Amina Agyeman-Rawlings and Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings. President Nguema, who arrived in Accra on July 28 for an official visit hosted by President John Dramani Mahama, observed a moment of silence at the graveside before paying tribute to Rawlings’ contribution to Ghana, Africa and democratic governance.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Gabonese leader said the late President’s ideals had significantly influenced Gabon’s democratic transition.
“President Rawlings’ commitment, leadership and attachment to the ideals of sovereignty, justice and progress will continue to inspire present and future generations,” President Nguema said.
He further noted that Rawlings’ speeches and writings had contributed to Gabon’s political transformation.
“His speeches and writings have notably contributed to the success story of Gabon’s transition, which is now quoted as an example in the world,” he stated.
President Nguema added that the values championed by Rawlings had helped shape a transparent, peaceful and credible governance process in Gabon.
“We are now able to be transparent, peaceful and credible. I would like to hail the contributions of this great man to a strong and united Africa,” he said.
The tribute comes at a time when Gabon’s recent political transition has attracted international recognition for its peaceful conduct. On behalf of the Rawlings family, Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings expressed appreciation to President Nguema for what she described as a meaningful gesture of friendship between Ghana and Gabon.
She said the wreath-laying ceremony reflected the enduring relationship built by President Rawlings and other African leaders who championed Pan-African cooperation.
“This solemn gesture is a moving affirmation of the enduring camaraderie between the peoples of Ghana and Gabon — a friendship nurtured by President Jerry John Rawlings and the leaders of his generation, founded on mutual respect, Pan-African solidarity, and a shared vision for the progress of our continent,” she said.
Ms Agyeman-Rawlings described the ceremony as more than a diplomatic protocol, saying it symbolised the responsibility of today’s leaders to preserve the unity and cooperation established by previous generations.
“Today, through this act of remembrance, we are reminded that while those great statesmen have completed their earthly journey, they have entrusted us with the sacred responsibility of preserving and strengthening the bonds they forged.
“May this wreath stand as a symbol that the baton of brotherhood has been passed to the present generation of leaders in Ghana and Gabon, who will continue to deepen the ties between our two nations for the benefit of our peoples,” she said.
President Nguema’s visit to the Rawlings Mausoleum formed one of the key events of his official visit to Ghana, underscoring the close diplomatic relations between Accra and Libreville as both countries seek to strengthen bilateral cooperation and reaffirm their shared commitment to Pan-African ideals.
Philbert Amiba Ayuusah