Gabonese President lays wreath to honour former President Rawlings
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on Thursday, July 30, 2026, paid tribute to Ghana’s late former President, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, by laying a wreath at his tomb at the Military Cemetery in Accra.
The solemn ceremony was attended by members of the Rawlings family, government officials and senior military officers.
President Oligui Nguema, who arrived in Ghana on Tuesday for a state visit, described the late Ghanaian leader as a patriot whose dedication to Africa’s development continues to inspire both him and the people of Gabon.
In a statement read on his behalf, the Gabonese President praised Rawlings’ commitment to sovereignty, justice and progress, saying his legacy remains relevant to present and future generations.
“President Rawlings’ commitment, leadership and attachment to the ideals of sovereignty, justice and progress will continue to inspire present and future generations,” the statement said.
President Oligui Nguema also acknowledged Rawlings’ influence on Gabon’s political transition.
“His speeches and writings have notably contributed to the success of Gabon’s transition, which is now recognised as an example to the world. We have been able to achieve a transparent, peaceful and credible transition. I would like to pay tribute to this great man’s contribution to a strong and united Africa,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by National Security Adviser Prosper Bani, Deputy Minister for Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Executive Director of the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, expressed the family’s appreciation to President Oligui Nguema for the gesture and thanked the Government of Ghana for continuing to preserve the legacy of the late former President.
She described the wreath-laying ceremony as a reflection of the enduring friendship between Ghana and Gabon, built on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and mutual respect championed by President Rawlings and other African leaders of his generation.
“This solemn gesture is a moving affirmation of the enduring camaraderie between the peoples of Ghana and Gabon—a friendship nurtured by President Jerry John Rawlings and the leaders of his generation, founded on mutual respect, Pan-African solidarity and a shared vision for the progress of our continent,” she said.
Ms. Agyeman-Rawlings urged the current generation of leaders to preserve and strengthen the relationship established by their predecessors.
“Today, through this act of remembrance, we are reminded that while those great statesmen have completed their earthly journey, they have entrusted us with the sacred responsibility of preserving and strengthening the bonds they forged.”
She added that the wreath should symbolise the continued friendship between the two countries.
“May this wreath stand as a symbol that the baton of brotherhood has been passed to the present generation of leaders in Ghana and Gabon, who will continue to deepen the ties between our two nations for the benefit of our peoples.”
Among members of the Rawlings family and close associates present at the ceremony were family head Colonel (Rtd) Joshua Agbotui, Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, Fritz Baffour, General Benjamin Kusi and Nana Kobi Agyeman-Prempeh.
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