President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that late President Jerry John Rawlings was “deeply uncomfortable” with efforts to immortalise his name when he was alive.
He has revealed that Jerry Rawlings rejected attempts to to name major institutions after him, including the University for Development Studies (UDS) and a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.
Speaking at the renaming ceremony of the NDC’s national headquarters as the JJ Rawlings House, indicated that the former late President wouldn’t have bought into the idea as he did while he was alive.
“Rawlings himself, if he were alive, would have been very uncomfortable with this ceremony,” Mahama stated.
According to him, Jerry Rawlings donated his World Food Prize Award to help establish the University for Development Studies (UDS), but rejected the decision to name the institution after him.
In his attempt to name the FPSO after him, President Mahama said Rawlings preferred rather being on the minds of Ghanaians than have his name than being immortalised.
He said when he discussed the proposal with him, he said: “Pass it on to President Kufuor. I prefer to have my name inscribed in the minds and hearts of men than on statues and monuments.”
Mahama described Rawlings as “a man who was neither vain nor ostentatious”.
On his part, National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, reiterated that Rawlings “fiercely resisted” naming attempts, wanting his legacy in Ghanaians’ hearts.
He explained the party’s rationale to rename its headquarters after him as part of efforts to connect future generations to his legacy and values such as his courage, leadership, and selfless service to both the party and the State.
Nketia said preserving Rawlings’ legacy required more permanent recognition, adding that the decision followed extensive consultations.
His son, Kimathi Rawlings, said the event was a “moment of reflection, remembrance and recommitment” to his father’s principles.
The renaming aims to remind Ghanaians of Rawlings’ contributions to the country’s development and the NDC’s founding ideals.
Party members and dignitaries celebrated Rawlings’ legacy, reaffirming his commitment to values of probity, accountability, and selfless service.
The event highlighted Rawlings’ impact on Ghana’s history, from his leadership in the 1979 coup to his presidency and beyond. His commitment to social justice, economic empowerment, and Pan-Africanism continues to inspire the NDC and Ghanaian youth.
NDC renames National Headquarters after founder Jerry Rawlings
