Former President Rawlings with the delegation
A delegation of chiefs and elders from Navrongo in the Upper East Region, led by the Regent, Arthur Balinia Adda, called on former President Jerry John Rawlings on Tuesday to officially inform him of the funeral arrangements for the late Navro-Pio Pe-Asagipare I, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 78.
Spokesperson for the delegation, Clement Bugase, former deputy minister of agriculture under the Rawlings administration, who was Member of Parliament (MP) and one-time District Chief Executive of Navrongo, informed the former president that, activities for the final funeral rites would last for three months – expected to end on June 29, 2018.
The delegation expressed gratitude of the people of Navrongo to Mr Rawlings for the significant role his government played in developing the Upper East Regional town. They also recalled the warm relationship the late Navro-Pio had with then President Rawlings and the opportunities offered several sons and daughters of the town to serve the country in various capacities.
Mr Jerry John Rawlings, fondly called Papa J, indicated his desire to pay his final respects to the deceased royal and also prayed that the succession process would be smooth and devoid of controversy. “I sincerely hope the process of succession will be given self respect,” Mr. Rawlings said.
Other members of the delegation were Daniel Batidam, former presidential advisor on corruption, Clay Tigenoah, nephew of the late Navro-Pio and sons of the late Navro-Pio – Andrew Adda, Gabriel Adda and Garvey Adda.