Accra, Feb. 24, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings has on behalf of his family expressed profound gratitude to all who have sympathised with them in diverse ways following the fire that burned down their Ridge residence on February 14.

The former President said the family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of sympathy from Ghanaians of all walks of life and from a host of friends in international circles, a statement from his office said. He said: "We have received messages, visits, gifts and telephone calls sharing in our grief. This family is moved by the united manner Ghanaians have shared in the pain of this disaster.

"We wish to thank every individual and organisation that has paused to offer a thought of commiseration with us. Not everyone can make the trip to Ridge to personally wish us well, but we have noted the outpouring of sympathies on various mediums throughout the country.

"Whole regions and communities have sent delegations to wish us well and we have garnered strength from every single word of encouragement." The former President requested all sympathisers to note that from Thursday, February 25 receipt of sympathisers will no longer be done daily. The former President said every effort would be made to find a couple of days each week to meet with sympathisers. He, however, encouraged sympathisers to present their messages of commiseration to his office. "The family needs time off to take stock of the loss and look forward to the future. We also have prior appointments that cannot be cancelled. All who are interested in calling on us will have to contact my office, which will schedule a time convenient with our schedule. We plead with sympathisers not to come in without prior appointment, as only a representative will be able to attend to them," former President Rawlings said.

The statement said all enquiries should be directed to Naval Capt. Amenyo (rtd) at the Office of Former President Rawlings, next to the Ridge residence. Sympathisers may also call 0244023868.