‘A great tree has fallen’ Ghana mourns the loss of Jerry Rawlings
Fondly known by his people as ‘Papa J’ and a true founding father of modern Ghana, former President Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, the country’s longest serving leader, sadly passed away on November 12. FLYafrica pays tribute.
instability of the years of autocratic military rule that dominated the 1970s. While the road to achieving this goal was not always smooth, Rawlings clung to his vision for a greater Ghana and was ultimately
“A
able to consolidate long-term politigreat tree has fallen, and
indebted to Rawlings, who oversaw
cal change, ushering in as President
Ghana is poorer for this
the transition to multi-party elections
in 1992 the country’s fourth republic,
loss.” These were the words
in 1992, laying the groundwork for
which has continued to this day to
of Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-
what is now one of Africa’s most
provide democratic government with
Addo on hearing of the death of
stable democracies.
sovereignty residing in the Ghanaian
former president Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings.
ence in Ghana during his two terms
people.
as President and beyond with his
Early years
died on November 12 in hospital in
achievements including introducing
Jerry John Rawlings – his ‘JJ’ initials
Accra after a short illness, prompted
free market reforms and turning the
were later rebranded to ‘Junior Jesus’
Akufo-Addo to announce seven days
country into a major player in United
by his followers – was born in Accra
of national mourning in the country
Nations peacekeeping missions
on June 22, 1947. His father, James
while both of Ghana’s political
around the world. The charismatic
Ramsey John, was an expat farmer
parties suspended their campaigns
leader created a legacy of social
from Scotland, in the UK, while his
for the December elections.
justice and empowerment of Ghana’s
mother, Victoria Agbotui – who died
people that will never be forgotten.
less than two months before her son
The news that Rawlings had
That Ghana has two dominant political parties – Akufo-Addo
8
Rawlings wielded a strong influ-
Despite his Ghana Air Force
– was from Keta.
currently heads the New Patriotic
background and the authoritar-
Party in government while the
ian methods he orchestrated to
School where he proved an outspo-
Rawlings went to Achimota
National Democratic Congress
gain and retain power, Rawlings
ken, rebellious pupil who excelled
(NDC), founded by Rawlings, holds
always harboured ambitions for his
at sports, especially polo. In 1968
it to account in opposition – is
country to escape the corruption and
he enrolled in the military academy
