President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has sent a message of condolence to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa on the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Archbishop Tutu died on Sunday 26 December.
The president described the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate as a redoubtable priest, arguably the greatest religious leader of his generation, a renowned freedom fighter, fearless anti-apartheid activist, committed human rights leader and iconic Nobel Peace Prizewinner. Tutu fulfilled his life’s purpose on earth, Akufo-Addo said, and receives the plaudits of a grateful posterity.
“The history of Africa’s struggle for freedom from colonialism, imperialism and the racist ideology of apartheid has been immeasurably enriched by the contribution of this jovial, dedicated and principled defender of the liberties and rights of Africans and oppressed peoples of the world,” Akufo-Addo posted on Facebook.
The president said Archbishop Tutu’s work as chairman of the historic Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, established by his outstanding compatriot, contemporary and friend Madiba – Nelson Mandela, the first president of the democratic South Africa – was instrumental in promoting reconciliation amongst the peoples of South Africa in the post-apartheid era, which enabled a united nation to emerge from the debris of apartheid, much to the astonishment of many in South Africa and around the world.
“The Commission provided an example which was followed elsewhere in several countries in Africa,” said the president, “where systematic violations of human rights had at a given moment become part of their political culture, including in our own Ghana.”
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo stressed: “Archbishop Desmond Tutu ran his race set before him, and leaves behind indelible footprints in the sands of time. May his soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen!”
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