Accra, Jan. 5, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings, on Tuesday eulogized the late Daniel Lartey, as having "served this nation well and added colour to our political landscape".

He said: "Dan Lartey had a way of diffusing and distressing political crisis and tension...And he should be appreciated for who he was. " President Rawlings said when he signed the book of condolence at the Kaneshie residence of the late politician.

"I respected the man so much for his wisdom and his departure is a big loss to the political climate of this country," he added. Mr. Daniel Augustus Lartey, Presidential Candidate, Leader, Founder and Chairman of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) died on Monday, December 28, 2009 at his residence after a short illness. He was 83. Fondly called Uncle Dan or Domestication, Mr. Lartey, was a staunch Nkrumahist, contested for the the Presidency on the ticket of the GCPP on two occasions in 2000 and 2004 since breaking away from Convention People's Party (CPP) to form the GCPP.

The late Mr. Lartey, a former publisher and trade unionist, became a household name following his 2004 slogan of "domestication"- meaning growing everything Ghana needs in the country rather than the dependence on foreign aid and investments.

President Rawlings called on all politicians to emulate the life of the late Mr. Lartey " who was honest, frank, and had the interest of Ghana at heart".

I hope we all emulate the life of this humble man, and not take our stresses and tensions to do irreparable damage to this country". Mr. Samuel Saakwa Acquah, The family Spokesperson, expressed gratitude to former President Rawlings for consoling the family and recognizing the worth of their deceased in Ghanaian politics.

President Rawlings was accompanied by his wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and Nii Afotey Agbo, Member of Parliament for Kpone Katamanso.