JJ Rawlings Foundation and Family Mark Three-Year Anniversary of Former President’s Passing

Accra, Ghana – On Sunday, the JJ Rawlings Foundation and family members commemorated the third anniversary of the passing of former President Jerry John Rawlings, reflecting on his significant impact and the profound sense of loss his demise brought to the nation.

According to Ghana News Agency, the Foundation and the Rawlings family expressed that the sudden loss of the former President on November 12, 2020, was a ‘difficult pill to swallow.’ The statement highlighted Rawlings’ enduring legacy in Ghana, Africa, and globally, emphasizing his deep connection with people across various walks of life. Jerry John Rawlings, a Flight Lieutenant, was renowned for his selflessness and candid approach to leadership, which reshaped the expectations of leaders in diverse fields. His hands-on leadership style, coupled with a profound understanding and empathy for the common man, were central to his life’s mission.

As Ghana marked the third year since his passing, the Foundation and family remembered him as a ‘man of the people’ and a true patriot. His unwavering stance on political and social issues, both during and after his presidency, deeply impacted Ghana and other African nations. Rawlings was especially noted for his commitment to assisting the underprivileged, as evidenced by his involvement in addressing Buruli ulcer in the 1990s and his hands-on response to the June 3, 2015 disaster at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

The statement also recalled a significant incident where Rawlings interrupted a celebration to visit the site of a disaster, demonstrating his dedication to the welfare of his people. The JJ Rawlings Foundation and family joined Ghanaians in celebrating his memory and his influence on their lives.

Furthermore, the statement called upon Ghanaians to revive the spirit of nationalism and prioritize the country’s interests over personal and political biases. It underscored Rawlings’ commitment to integrity, probity, accountability, equity, transparency, and selflessness. The statement urged Ghanaians to reflect on Rawlings’ dedication to these ideals and to embody them in their daily lives to promote Ghana’s socio-economic revival and development.