Ejisu (Ash), July 16, GNA- Former President Jerry John Rawlings has paid his last respect to the late Paramount Chief of Ejisu Traditional Council, Nana Aboagye Agyei II, who was laid in state on Wednesday at his Palace in Ashanti.

The Former President was welcomed with wild cheers as he arrived at the Ejisu Township where thousands of mourners had thronged the Palace situated right in the middle of the township.

The Chief passed away in June this year at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), in Kumasi after a short illness.

Known in private life as Bob Anane Aboagye Agyei, he was a Lawyer by profession and was enstoolled as the Paramount Chief of Ejisu in 1993. Signing the book of condolence, former President Rawlings described the late Nana Aboagye Agyei as someone who stood for the truth and worked hard for peace in the country.

He said the late Chief was a pillar of the country's democracy. The former President, who was accompanied by some of the Ashanti Regional NDC executives, presented drinks and cash of GH¢1,000 towards the burial of the Chief.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Ejisu Traditional Council, Nana Bobie Ansah II, Bonwire Chief, who is the acting President of the Ejisu Traditional Council, commended the former President and his entourage for the homage and support they showed towards the burial of the late Chief. He also commended the NDC regime which allowed the late chief to serve the country as a member of the Council of State from 1997 to 2001.