Kumasi, Feb. 15, GNA - The Ashanti Regional branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed shock and sadness at the fire that ravaged the Ridge official residence of former President Jerry Rawlings. Property and historical documents of the former first family gathered over the past 40 years were lost in the blaze.

A statement signed by the Regional Chairman, Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the former President and family. They pledged to stand with them spiritually and physically in their difficult and trying moments. It said it was their prayer that God would give to the party's founder the necessary strength. The statement applauded the Presidency for the swift response to find a suitable accommodation for the former President and family in the wake of the disaster. 15 Feb. 10