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Prez Akufo-Addo joins Americans to mourn Congressman, John Lewis

Joyceline Natally Cudjoe July 19, 2020

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Prez Akufo-Addo joins Americans to mourn Congressman, John Lewis

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed deep regret about the sudden demise of the United States (US) based Civil Rights Movement icon, Congressman John Lewis.

According to him, the message of the death came as a surprise to him and extended his deepest condolence to the bereaved family, the US government and the Americans.

In a post on his Twitter handle on Saturday, the President mourned the civil rights advocate and wished him farewell.

“I have received the sad news of the death of one of the icons of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America, Congressman John Lewis,” he said.

I have received the sad news of the death of one of the icons of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America, Congressman John Lewis. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/wW8G1AhPTQ

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) July 18, 2020

President Akufo-Addo revealed that Ghana played host to him and a delegation from the US Congress last year, as part of activities to commemorate the “Year of Return.”

He further stated that the late Lewis dedicated his life to helping to realise the goals of the Movement to end legalised racial discrimination, disenfranchisement and racial segregation in the United States.

Nana Akufo-Addo’s maintained that Mr Lewis life on earth was a life well-lived and called on his soul to rest in perfect peace.

Congressman Lewis died at the age of 80 after a six-month battle with cancer.

According to a statement issued by the family members of the late Lewis to confirm his death, they bemoaned that it was heavy blow for them to announce the death of the Congressman.

“It is with inconsolable grief and enduring sadness that we announce the passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis,” his family said.

They noted that although many honoured him as a conscience of the US Congress and an icon of American history, but to them he was a loving father and brother.

The family members indicated that Mr Lewis through his patriotism became the stalwart champion in the on-going struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being.

“He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America. He will be deeply missed,” they cried.

Congressman Lewis died on the same day as civil rights leader, Rev Cordy Tindell “CT” Vivian who was 95.

The dual deaths of the civil rights icons came at the time the Americans were grappling with racial upheaval in the wake of the death of George Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests that have swept the nation.

It is another heartbreak to the Americans, as they were already mourning the deaths of nearly 140,000 people from Covid-19 and struggles to bring the virus under control.

BY JOYCELINE NATALLY CUDJOE