JJ Rawlings Foundation Marks 46th June 4 Uprising Anniversary with Call for Accountability

The JJ Rawlings Foundation has commemorated the 46th anniversary of the June 4 Uprising with a strong appeal to Ghanaians to uphold the values of probity, accountability, and discipline that underpinned the 1979 revolution.

In a solemn statement issued on the Foundation’s official Facebook page, the estate of the late President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings urged the public to remain faithful to the ideals that reshaped Ghana’s political course.

“June 4 is not about semantics… it is about a unified force and power that can move mountains,” the statement read, echoing one of Rawlings’ famous remarks.

Historical Reflections & a Call to Action

The June 4, 1979 uprising remains one of the most defining moments in Ghana's history. Born from economic turmoil, corruption, and disillusionment, the revolution led by then Flt. Lt. Rawlings was a dramatic military and civic intervention aimed at restoring integrity in public life.

At the time, Ghana was mired in economic collapse, hoarding of essential goods, and systemic corruption. The Foundation’s statement revisited these conditions, referencing "kalabule" practices and leadership failures that eroded public trust.

Rawlings, in his 2018 speech on the 39th anniversary, likened the uprising to an “energy… like the force of a gas explosion ignited by the gross disrespect and abuse of people.”

Preserving the Legacy Through Action

Since Rawlings' passing in 2020, the Foundation has worked to preserve and institutionalize his legacy through programs that champion civic values and socio-economic progress.

Key initiatives include:

• A nationwide tree-planting campaign launched in 2021, particularly targeting schools to promote environmental sustainability.

• Political history exhibitions, featuring rare June 4 photographs, archived reports, and theatrical reenactments, have been organized to educate the youth and stimulate national reflection.

These events have seen participation from civil society groups, scholars, former public officials, and the broader Ghanaian public.

Sporting Tribute & Future Commemorations

In 2022, the Foundation honored Rawlings’ deep passion for sports, especially boxing, with a special roundtable on June 22. The event featured a documentary tribute to his impact on Ghanaian boxing and his early Army days.

Looking ahead, the Foundation disclosed that preparations are underway for a nationwide commemoration of the fifth anniversary of Rawlings’ death in 2025. It promised to announce a lineup of activities in the coming months to ensure broad national participation.

Enduring Message for the Nation

The Foundation’s message concluded with a resonant call to personal and collective responsibility:

“For those of us living, let us always remember that the survival of the ideals of probity and accountability are dependent on us... Failure is not an option.”

As the nation marks 46 years since that transformative moment in 1979, the values of justice, transparency, and integrity continue to define Rawlings’ enduring legacy—and serve as a moral compass for Ghana’s democratic journey.