The former President, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings on Friday sent a public message of condolence to the family of Michael Jackson, whom he described as the Emperor of Pop music.
Michael Jackson died on Thursday night after suffering from cardiac arrest.
Flt. Lt. Rawlings said: "I once had the honour of meeting with Michael and we struck a great friendship borne out of respect. Michael changed the world and always knew that with change he would appeal to many across all borders even if some in the non- musical media did not always appreciate it".
He listed Michael Jacksons songs that had an impact on him as "Thriller", "Beat it", "Billie Jean", "Bad, Black or White", "Dangerous", "Scream", "Earth Song", "You Are Not Alone" and "Cry"!
The former President' said his favourite songs were "They Don't Care About Us" and "Heal the World", which he considered a constant in his listening pleasure.
Flt. Lt. Rawlings described Michael Jackson's departure as a monumental loss to the whole world.
He was human and so sensitive. He showed it sometimes to the uncaring and unfeeling world that he had sensitivity and great humanity.
Flt. Lt. Rawlings noted that the last time the world lost someone in the entertainment world of his stature was when Elvis Pressley and Chuck Berry died.
"The world has lost one of its greatest sons. Michael you made an impact and you changed the whole world in so many ways. Go in peace..you will be missed!" he said
Michael Jackson, who crossed cultures and moved people the world over, was born the seventh of nine children of Joseph Jackson on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, United States. He started his musical career at the age of eight when he joined the Jackson Brothers (Jackson Five).