President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has paid tribute to late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

He described the late president as a distinguished African statesman whose legacy continues to inspire the continent.

During a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rawlings Mausoleum in Accra, President Nguema honoured J.J Rawlings as a patriot and champion of justice, saying his leadership and ideals remain a source of inspiration for generations of Africans.