The news of the death of Former President of the Republic of Ghana, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings has taken the West African Country by surprise.
It was reported around midday that the former military ruler and subsequent constitutional leader of Ghana died in the early hours of Thursday, November 12, 2020.
Reactions to his death have seen social media awash with expressions of shock and surprise.
Ghanaians who have been taken aback by the news have taken to social media to express their surprise at the news as well as extend their message of condolences.
Others are also reliving memories of the former president who over his lifetime gained massive love from the Ghanaian public.
READ: Jerry John Rawlings is dead
READ: Profile of Jerry John Rawlings
READ: Where and when Rawlings died
READ: Update: Rawlings had COVID-19
WATCH: Family of late President Rawlings calls on President Akufo-Addo
READ: Memorable photos of Jerry John Rawlings
READ: Rawlings to get state burial – Akufo-Addo announces
READ: Famous quotes by the late J.J Rawlings
WATCH: Flashback: Former President Rawlings 'tearfully' pays last respect to late mother
See below some social media reactions to the death of Former President Jerry John Rawlings:
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
RIP Jerry John Rawlings ?????? pic.twitter.com/WxJszg9PZZ
— KALYJAY ???? (@gyaigyimii) November 12, 2020
Wow tomorrow is never promised ampa ???????
— OPANKA ???????? (@OpankaGH) November 12, 2020
RIP Papa J J Rawlings pic.twitter.com/mLRMelFKXY
A life well lived. We celebrate instead of mourn. Farewell Papa J Rawlings. pic.twitter.com/smqoGLf40v
— Percy Oppong Nketia (@mister_zenit) November 12, 2020
This morning while driving past the military base at Teshie, I was looking out at the ocean and remembering my late Romanian grandmother, and what I always recollect is how she said about J.J. Rawlings, that he was a remarkable president. And this afternoon I hear this. ????
— Sister Deborah (@deborahvanessa7) November 12, 2020
Rest In Perfect Peace Papa J Rawlings ?????????????? You fought a good fight ! pic.twitter.com/xZZxSPDSsl
— ???????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????? (@melalipsy) November 12, 2020
Former president of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings dies at age 73 pic.twitter.com/r1H1nuY2jB
— TheSammy Darko (@Sammy_Darko) November 12, 2020
#sadDay 2020 What a year ???? my condolences to the entire family. Rest In Peace Excellency Jerry Rawlings ???????? pic.twitter.com/TCQwCjVEMe
— Juliet Ibrahim (@julietibrahim) November 12, 2020
#RIP #rawlings #BreakingNews #ghana
— Emkay (@Emkay95231064) November 12, 2020
RIP papa J.. ????????????????.. I can't even stop crying ????????????????.. Awwn U will forever be remembered. pic.twitter.com/vJYWFyN6H2
RIP Former President Jerry John Rawlings ???????? pic.twitter.com/azlcV6A6OI
— Kofi Kinaata (@KinaataGh) November 12, 2020
The Gambia had no university then too. Ghana led by Rawlings sent a team from the University of Ghana to advise them on the processes for establishing one. Within 6 years The Gambia had one.
— Mr_Benjamin II (@AngeloBenjy) November 12, 2020
Jerry Rawlings ???? pic.twitter.com/yyI5iFLM5M
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) November 12, 2020
Jerry Rawlings ???? pic.twitter.com/yyI5iFLM5M
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) November 12, 2020