Ghana postpones Jerry Rawlings’ funeral

Jerry Rawlings

Ghanaian authorities have postponed the funeral of former president Jerry Rawlings, saying the delay was due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

His funeral was initially scheduled for December 23.

Mr Rawlings died on November 12 at the age of 73. He was first a military ruler and later elected president.

However, in a statement on Thursday to diplomats and foreign agencies, Ghana’s foreign ministry said that “due to unforeseen circumstances, the funeral will not be held… as planned.”

It said a new date would be announced later.

The statement gave no further details but local media said the postponement was caused by a family dispute.

Ghanaians went to the polls on December 7 and re-elected the incumbent president Nana Akuffo-Ado.