Ghana Former President Jerry Rawlings Dies At Age 73

Ghana’s former president Jerry Rawlings has died at the age of 73.

Rawlings was a Ghanian military officer and politician who led the country from 1981 to 2001 and then briefly in 1979. Afterward, he transferred his power to civilian rule, according to AP News. He led his first coup in 1979 and his second in 1981 until he introduced multi-party elections in 1992, returning the country’s democracy. He ended up winning the elections was elected president in 1993. He served two elected four-year terms.

Maj. Kojo Boakye Gyan, Rawling’s former friend turned rival, took over after Rawling’s coup. During an interview with The Associated Press, Gyan called his death a loss for Ghana. “He was God’s gift to the country, and l can only ask that God keeps his soul in peace,” said Gyan.

Crowds came to mourn his death at his Ridge office in Accra. Rawlings leaves behind his Nana Konadu Agyeman and his three daughters Zanetor Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, Amina Rawlings; and one son, Kimathi Rawlings.