Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe clarifies rumours surrounding J.J Rawlings’ death, rules out COVID-19

Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has rejected claims that former President Jerry John Rawlings died from COVID-19, insisting that the circumstances of his death warrant further investigation.

In an interview with GhanaWeb, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said evidence available to him, including information from a close relative of Rawlings, contradicts reports that the former president succumbed to the virus. He noted that Rawlings reportedly tested negative for COVID-19 twice.

“Firstly, the impression we were given as a public was that Rawlings died of COVID-19. I cross-checked it with my own cousin, his own cousin too, Michael Sousoudis, may he rest in peace, and it was a lie. He had two tests and they came out negative as I have stated in the book. That’s point number one,” he said.

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He questioned why an autopsy was not conducted, emphasising that such a procedure, particularly chemical pathology tests, could have provided a clear explanation for Rawlings’ death.

“A man of Rawlings' calibre and level, a former president, cannot die without an autopsy being done and I have said if an autopsy had been done, they should bring it out. It’s getting to one year now and nobody has come forward. The autopsy can tell us exactly what killed Jerry John Rawlings especially if they do what we call chemical pathology. All these things, if they have done them they should come forward,” he added.

Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe also highlighted troubling reports surrounding Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. He claimed that five nurses attending to Rawlings allegedly disappeared shortly after his passing, with some reportedly taken out of the country.

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“Thirdly, from what I was told by my cousin Michael Sousoudis, may he rest in peace, five nurses who were looking after Jerry John Rawlings at Korle Bu, the moment he passed on, they all disappeared. They were taken out of the country. The nurses disappeared. If the nurses are around they should come forward,” he said.

In addition, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe raised concerns about two military officers he knows personally, who reportedly met after Rawlings’ death and remarked “mission accomplished,” a phrase he says carries significant implications.

“Fourth, there were two military officers. I know them personally. They know me too, as I’ve stated in the book. Two captains, but for a lot of reasons, I’m holding the names for the meantime because I have asked the government to set up an independent commission of inquiry to find out what really killed Rawlings. The captains met just after his death and they shook hands and said mission accomplished. It’s a military term and that means a lot. Have they come out?” he questioned.

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Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe has called on the government to establish an independent commission of inquiry, stressing that the lack of clarity surrounding Rawlings’ death raises serious concerns.

“There have been no responses so far, and I’m sure they are aware because this book was reviewed on television. The only thing I’ll say is that I’ve had a few calls from some prominent people in this country thanking me for having had the courage to come out with that,” he said.

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Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe’s statements have reignited debate about the circumstances surrounding the former president’s death.