President John Dramani Mahama has paid glowing tribute to Ghana’s late former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, describing him as a transformative leader whose commitment to accountability, social justice and national service played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s democratic development.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly renamed Jerry John Rawlings House, the national headquarters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), President Mahama said dedicating the party’s headquarters to its founder was a befitting recognition of his enduring contributions to the party and the nation.
According to the President, the renamed headquarters would stand as a constant symbol of the ideals that guided Rawlings throughout his public life and serve as a reminder that leadership is ultimately about service to the people.
“Naming this headquarters after him is therefore not only a tribute to his immense contribution to our party and our nation but also a declaration that the values he championed, the values of integrity, patriotism, sacrifice, courage, discipline and service to the people must continue to guide our actions as a party and a government.
“It serves as a constant reminder to everyone who enters this building that leadership is ultimately about service and that political power must always be exercised in the interest of the people,” he stressed.
The ceremony formed part of activities marking what would have been the 79th birthday of the late former President and brought together party leaders, supporters and members of the Rawlings family.
Meanwhile, the son of the late statesman, Kimathi Rawlings, expressed gratitude to President Mahama and the leadership of the NDC for honouring his father’s legacy and ensuring the success of the occasion.
“Today has been much more than a ceremonial occasion. It has been a moment of reflection, remembrance and recommitment. By naming this headquarters after Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, the NDC has permanently inscribed his name into the very home of the ideals, sacrifices and aspirations to which he devoted his life,” he said.
The renaming of the party’s headquarters and the unveiling of a bust of the late former President formed part of commemorative events organised jointly by the NDC and the J.J. Rawlings Foundation under the theme, “From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy.”
