The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday marked the 78th birthday of its Founder, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, with a commemorative event that highlighted his values and enduring legacy.
Speaking at the well-attended ceremony, NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, stressed that celebrating President Rawlings’ birthday was not merely ceremonial, but an opportunity to reflect on and promote principles such as probity and accountability, punctuality, positive defiance, democracy, and the importance of regular lifestyle audits.
According to Mr. Nketia, the event was also a reminder of the urgent need to redefine Ghana’s national values, as no country can develop without a clear sense of identity and shared principles.
“There is no country that has developed without national values. Today, for us in NDC we have something to talk about. But if you ask the nation, as a Ghanaian what are our aspirations, what are the things we believe in, what represents our code of conduct, we do not have. We can look at all our great leaders and the values they espoused. Even if it is possible let’s take the debate to parliament and define our national values,” he stated.
Mr. Nketia emphasized that probity and accountability were at the heart of Rawlings’ leadership, adding that every citizen, regardless of their position, must be prepared to account for their stewardship—not only financially but in all spheres of responsibility.
Touching on Rawlings’ principle of positive defiance, he urged the youth to speak up when their leaders go wrong, stressing that blindly following authority at the expense of one’s conscience makes one complicit.
The NDC Chairman also praised Rawlings’ democratic ideals, recalling how the former President often consulted widely, even with ordinary citizens like market queens, before major national decisions such as the national budget.
He further lauded Rawlings’ emphasis on punctuality and lifestyle audits, noting that the late leader believed time was money and held his appointees accountable if they appeared to live beyond their means.
Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, son of the late President, attended the event with his sister, Amina Agyeman-Rawlings. He described their father as a leader deeply committed to empowering ordinary Ghanaians through democratic governance, as demonstrated by the establishment of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, now enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.
“As we mark this special day we are reminded of his vision for a better Ghana. His courage in the face of adversity, his passion for justice and his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the Ghanaian people all of which are enshrined in the directive principles of state policy under the 1992 constitution. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, his leadership and legacy has left an indelible mark on our national history,” Kimathi stated.
He thanked the NDC for keeping his father’s vision alive, expressing the family’s appreciation for the continued efforts to honour his memory and principles.
Earlier, NDC General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, described President Rawlings as a man born for a great purpose. While acknowledging Rawlings’ imperfections, Mr. Kwetey highlighted the late leader’s profound love for humanity and the country.
He spoke of spiritual prophecies as far back as 1972, which foretold the emergence of a young man destined to lead Ghana. Rawlings, he said, consistently embodied the “resetting of the nation,” a concept the NDC continues to uphold.
“We went into the election of 2024 with the clarion call of resetting Ghana. If there is a time for us to understand the real reset mantra it must start with us, especially those of us in NDC. This the moment and this is the day that we should understand that,” Mr. Kwetey concluded.
Other speakers at the event included former Chief of Staff Nana Ato Dadzie and Naval Captain Assasie Gyimah. Dignitaries present included Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders; Chief Bawumia of the Council of Elders; Dr. Christine Amoako Nuamah; and Madam Akua Sena Dansua.
