Accra, Jan. 11, GNA - The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Kofi Adams, on Tuesday described the late Squadron Leader Clend Sowu (rtd), a former MP of the party, as a man who ha= d strong convictions and always spoke in defence of the ideals of the party. In a statement from the Office of former President Jerry John Rawlings= , Mr Adams said the late Squadron Leader, who was a founding member of the party, played a significant role in its development and occupied countless positions. It said Mr Adams made the remarks when the family of the late Squadron Leader Sowu called on former President Rawlings to officially announce his passing away.

"Squadron Leader Sowu was a stickler for timeliness and will go ahea= d to start a programme even if there were only two people available at the agreed time. "He has paid his dues and we pray that those of us at the helm of th= e party will take a cue from him and lead the party in the right direction,= " Mr Adams, who is also the Spokesperson for former President Rawlings, said. Led by Mr Kofi Humado, Minister for Youth and Sports-designate and Member of Parliament for Anlo, the delegation invited the former President to the funeral rites of Squadron Leader Sowu. President Rawlings described Squadron Leader Sowu as a man who was a "non conformist" who would refuse to follow the majority if he had a gu= t feeling it was a wrong move.

"Many of us are afraid to take such a stance but he never hesitated to follow his convictions," the former President noted. Squadron Leader Sowu will be laid in state at the Garrison Methodist Church, Burma Camp, on Friday January 14. Internment will take place at his residence at Tegbi in the Keta District of the Volta Region on Saturday January 15. There will be thanksgiving Service at the EP Church, Tegbi, on Sunday January 16. The delegation that called on former President Rawlings included MP for Keta, Richard Lassey-Agbenyefia; NDC Deputy National Treasurer, Bertha Amenuvor; Julius Sowu, Elvio Sowu, Delae Sowu and Catherine Sowu, all children of Squadron Leader Sowu.