Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for the Klottey-Korle constituency, has at a ceremony in Keta on Wednesday to unveil a statue in honour of her father, former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, urged Ghanaians to emulate his ideals of probity, accountability, dedication to country, humility, service and integrity, as the statue is a symbol of what he stood for.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings who is the first daughter of President Rawlings, stated that it is our way of life more than anything else that will make meaning to his legacy.
“If we can all live by those ideals that is how we honour his memory.
“Which was why he always insisted that he preferred to be in the hearts of people rather than inscribed on walls or in the form of monuments. But there are many ways to honour the memory of someone who has done amazing things. We thank those who put together this concept to honour his memory. We also support their noble intention,” Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings said.
At the ceremony which was attended by the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbi Sri III, Awadada, Togbi Agbesi Awusu II and other leading traditional leaders of Anlo, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings said she was aware of a plan by the Anlo State to organize a ceremony in honour of President Rawlings to coincide with the fifth anniversary of his passing but unfortunately they had to be put on hold when Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings passed. She said though the family is still in mourning they had to honour the invitation not just because of what it signifies for the family but also to the people of Anlo and the people of Ghana.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings who was accompanied by his brother, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, prayed that generations to come will appreciate the value of what the monument represents and be a part of maintaining it so that many more others will come to ask questions about where we came from, where we are today and where we hope to be as a people.
DEMOCRATIC STABILITY
Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, who spoke about the ‘The Man Jerry Rawlings’, recalled the role President Rawlings played in coastal livelihoods, fisheries and environmental justice.
Dr. Djokoto highlighted President Rawlings’ government’s championing of the Keta Sea Defence Project, a bold intervention that protected lives, homes, and heritage from the relentless force of the Atlantic Ocean. President Rawlings, he said, believed that no Ghanaian should be forgotten because of geography.
“He challenged entrenched privilege and reminded public officials that power without integrity is meaningless. His insistence on discipline and accountability became a defining feature of his leadership,” Dr. Djokoto stated.
A major legacy of President Rawlings, the NHIA Deputy Chief Executive noted, was the laying of democratic stability in Ghana, some which continues to earn Ghana respect in Africa and the rest of the continent. He subjected himself to the will of the people in 1992 , contested elections and handed over peacefully after completing two terms.
MONUMENT TO HIGHLIGHT HIS LIFE
The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia in his address, said a nation that does not honour its leaders is not worth dying for. He reiterated President Rawlings decision not to be honoured in monuments and effigies whiles he was alive.
“He wanted to live in the hearts of people. He refused for a university that he founded to be named after him. He refused the naming of an FPSO after him. He became the Head of State with the rank of Flight Lieutenant and refused to accept promotion.”
“The monument is to highlight his life to those who did not live through his work and appreciate his contribution to national development so they can relate to his legacy. We thought that even though he rejected such monuments when he was alive this is the appropriate time to honour him,” the NDC Chairman stated.
He also restated the Party’s resolution in 2025 to name its national Headquarters, Jerry John Rawlings House.
The sponsors of the statue, Mawuko Djikunu and Selassie Kekesie in an address read on their behalf said President Rawlings transformed Ghana’s destiny and inspired millions across Africa. They felt it was important that they built a monument that future generations can look upon to appreciate what true patriotism and service means.
It tells the story of a leader who believed in ordinary people and who loved his country. It reminds the youth that greatness is borne from service, courage and integrity, they said.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, Regional Chairman Mawutor Agbavitor, MP for Ketu South and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, Ambassador Dan Abodakpi, NPP Regional Chairman, Makafui Woanya, MP for Keta, Kwame Gakpe, MP for Anlo, Richard Kwame Sefa, MCE for Keta, Wisdom Saede and Emmanuel Gemegah, former Keta MCE.
