Renowned statesman, veteran football administrator, and former diplomat, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has called for an impartial and thorough inquiry into the death of Ghana’s former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, citing “unexplained circumstances” and growing public suspicion surrounding the events leading to his passing.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe’s appeal, contained in his latest book, A Nation into Retirement: The Narrative of a Statesman, stressed that Ghana owed it to the memory of Rawlings and the conscience of the nation to pursue truth and transparency.
“These unexplained circumstances deepen the mystery surrounding Rawlings’s death,” the ex-military medical doctor remarked.
“It is crucial that we uphold the principles of accountability and transparency, particularly in matters involving national figures. Only through clarity and truth can we address the concerns of those left behind and preserve the integrity of our systems.”
In a startling revelation, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe hinted at the alleged involvement of two retired Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) captains, whose conduct, following Rawlings’s death, has raised eyebrows.
“There are whispers of involvement from two retired captains of the Ghana Armed Forces. I am familiar with these individuals, and they know me personally. Their actions following Rawlings’s death—particularly their alleged remark, ‘Mission accomplished’—warrant scrutiny. In military parlance, such a statement carries grave implications,” he said.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe’s comments reinforce growing calls for a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the former president, who led Ghana from 1981 to 2001.
“Such an inquiry must compel all relevant individuals, including these captains, to share what they know,” he urged.
He also questioned the medical protocols observed during Rawlings’s final days at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, insisting that an autopsy and full pathology report, especially one including chemical analysis, should have been conducted and publicly disclosed.
“In all civilised nations, autopsies are standard, following the death of a former head of state. If such an examination were carried out, the findings should be disclosed to the public. This is crucial for clarity and accountability.”
Adding to the mystery, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe raised concern over reports that five nurses who attended to the former president at the Cardiothoracic Unit had allegedly left the country shortly after his death.
According to him, Rawlings’ cousin, “Michael Sosuoudis, informed me that these five nurses vanished from the country shortly after Rawlings’s passing.
Allegedly, they were flown abroad and have only maintained sporadic contact with Michael, expressing their condolences,” he revealed.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe’s 700-page memoir chronicles his personal journey and reflections on Ghana’s complex political landscape.
“This book is to teach and let the youth know what happened 68 years ago, because that will help them adjust themselves to the present challenges facing not only this country but the world at large,” Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe said.
He described the book as a heartfelt reflection on his lifelong commitment to public service, leadership, and truth-telling, especially during Ghana’s turbulent military era.
“It appears there have been a lot of distortions in our history books. The true state of what happened has not been reported, and I feel the youth must know the truth, particularly about the military regimes,” he said.
A Nation into Retirement is described as a bold attempt to reclaim historical integrity and guide the next generation towards a more informed and principled future.
