President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed his “deep condolences” to former President Jerry John Rawlings and his family on the loss of the former President’s mother, Victoria Agbotui.
The President, who called on the former President yesterday to commiserate with him on the loss, said the loss of a mother is different from the loss of a father, describing the love of a mother as something that is different and special, a statement from the former President’s office signed by Kobina Andoh Amaokwa said.
“When my mother died, I was Foreign Minister of Ghana, but I cried like a baby; so, I know exactly how you are feeling,” the statement quoted President Akufo-Addo as saying.
The President said when news broke about Madam Agbotui’s demise he was out of the country doing some work, so he called the former President to offer his condolences and promised to personally visit him on his return, adding “I got back to Accra last night and decided to call on you today.”
The Stool Father of the Anlo State, Ambassador Dan Abodakpi, who is also the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of Madam Agbotui’s funeral, in responding to the President, said the family was grateful for the show of sincere comradeship and solidarity.
He proceeded to inform the President that the funeral of Madam Agbotui would take place on Saturday, October 24, with a non-denominational service at the Forecourt of the State House, after which the body would be conveyed to Dzelukope in the Volta Region for interment.
President Akufo-Addo, who was accompanied by the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare and Eugene Arhin, Communications Director at the Presidency, later signed the book of condolence opened in memory of Madam Agbotui.
By Melvin Tarlue