#RawlingsGoesHome: Edzorna Mensah writes to the Akufo-Addo Government 

State Protocol Department it’s sad and disheartening to be writing to you whiles watching JJ’s funeral on TV to draw your attention to how JJ is being buried without Ewe/Anlo Tradition.

It’s important to let the whole world know that, Jerry John Rawlings in his lifetime wanted to be known as an Anloman, he displayed Ewemanship at every given opportunity.

It’s also a known fact that, JJ was born by an Anlowoman and he spent years in Volta Region after his retirement.

To cement his love, belief and commitment to Ewe tradition and culture, he accepted to be a traditional Chief on Anloland.

Mr. Rawlings, when alive cherished and loved the Ewe culture to the core to the extent that, he sanctioned over ten Ewe Tradtional music groups to perform at the mother’s funeral in Accra, Sogakorpe and Keta before, the mother was buried.

Today, JJ is no more and an Akan music like Adowa is being played at the Accra International Conference Centre before his body, for what reason?

It’s an abomination, disrespectful and regrettably, an affront to Anlo traditions and customs.

Government by Law is obliged to respect all citizens even in death, so I find this singular act by the Funeral Planning Committee disgusting and unacceptable.

Would State Protocol Department allow Agbadza to be played when it’s organizing a state sponsored funeral for a prominent Akan or Ga personality in Accra?

Come on, let us face the fact, our actions must not undermine any tribe or culture in this country of ours.

For JJ to be given a befitting burial, Agbadza, Atripui, Kpeglisu and Kinga are needed to pave way for the old man to join his ancestors.

Thank you sir.