Rawlings' Legacy Must Guide Ghana’s Future – Asiedu Nketia Declares

Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has called on Ghanaians to adopt the principles of late President Jerry John Rawlings as foundational values for national progress. Speaking at a commemorative event marking Rawlings’ 78th birthday, the NDC leader highlighted probity, accountability, punctuality, positive defiance, and democratic consultation as enduring legacies of the party’s founder.

Held on Sunday, the event drew party faithful, former government officials, family members, and supporters who gathered to honour Rawlings' memory and the values he championed throughout his political life.

“There is no country that has developed without clearly defined national values,” Mr. Nketia said. “It is time Ghana took a cue from our leaders like President Rawlings to define what we stand for as a people.”

He proposed a national debate—possibly in Parliament—on creating a set of national values to hold citizens and leaders accountable.

Rawlings: A Symbol of Integrity and Defiance

Mr. Nketia underscored that probity and accountability should not be limited to financial matters, but extended to how individuals wield public authority. He added that Rawlings’ philosophy of positive defiance—challenging wrongdoing regardless of one’s rank or position—was especially important for today’s youth.

“If your superior is wrong, say it. If you follow them blindly, you become equally guilty,” he emphasised.

He also praised Rawlings’ deep commitment to democracy, citing his frequent engagement with market women and ordinary citizens before making key national decisions.

Family Reflects on Rawlings’ Vision

Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, speaking on behalf of the family alongside his sister Amina, recalled their father’s drive for grassroots participation and governance reforms such as the establishment of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. He called on Ghanaians to honour their father’s memory by fighting for justice and equitable development.

“His leadership left an indelible mark on our national history. Let his memory inspire us to build a better Ghana,” Kimathi said.

Rawlings Was Born for a Purpose – Fiifi Kwetey

NDC General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey praised the late President as a divinely-ordained leader with an unmatched love for humanity.

“Though imperfect like all humans, Rawlings stood for the sovereignty of the human spirit. His life was a spiritual mission to reset the soul of the nation,” he remarked.

Mr. Kwetey urged NDC members to uphold the party’s “Reset Ghana” mantra in both ideology and practice.

Veterans, Elders Pay Tribute

Other notable speakers included former Chief of Staff Nana Ato Dadzie, Naval Captain Asaasie Gyimah, and Council of Elders members like Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chief Bawumia, Dr. Christine Amoako Nuamah, and Madam Akua Sena Dansua.

The event served as both a tribute to Rawlings and a call to national conscience, as speakers urged all Ghanaians to reflect on the principles that made Rawlings a revered statesman across Africa and beyond.