Accra, 8 January, GNA – Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, has urged Ghanaians to live by the ideals of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
She made the call during the unveiling of a statue in Keta in honour of the late President.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, the first daughter of the late President, said the monument symbolised probity, accountability, dedication to country, humility, service and integrity.
“It is our way of life more than anything else that will give meaning to his legacy. If we all live by those ideals, that is how we honour his memory,” she said.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings reflected on her father’s desire to be remembered in the hearts of people rather than through monuments, emphasising that his legacy was best honoured by living his values.
She expressed appreciation to those who initiated the statue project, saying the family recognised and supported their noble intention to preserve his memory for future generations.
The ceremony was attended by traditional leaders including the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbi Sri III, and Awadada Togbi Agbesi Awusu II.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the family honoured the invitation despite mourning Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, noting the event’s significance to both the family and the people of Anlo and Ghana.
Accompanied by her brother, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, she prayed that future generations would appreciate the monument’s value and maintain it as a reminder of Ghana’s journey and aspirations.
Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, highlighted Rawlings’ contributions to coastal livelihoods, fisheries and environmental justice, citing the Keta Sea Defence Project as an example of his commitment to protecting lives and heritage.
“He challenged entrenched privilege and reminded public officials that power without integrity is meaningless. His insistence on discipline and accountability defined his leadership,” he said.
Dr Djokoto said that Rawlings laid the foundation for democratic stability by subjecting himself to elections in 1992 and peacefully handing over power after two terms.
Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Democratic Congress Chairman, noted that a nation that does not honour its leaders is not worth dying for.
He recalled Rawlings’ refusal to be honoured with monuments during his lifetime, saying: “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,” he stated.
Mr Asiedu Nketia announced that the NDC had resolved in 2025 to name its national headquarters Jerry John Rawlings House.
Sponsors of the statue, Mawuko Djikunu and Selassie Kekesie, said Rawlings transformed Ghana’s destiny and inspired millions across Africa.
They noted the monument would remind future generations that greatness came from service, courage, and integrity.
Other dignitaries present included Volta Regional Minister James Gunu; NDC Regional Chairman Mawutor Agbavitor; Dzifa Gomashie, MP for Ketu South and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; and Ambassador Dan Abodakpi.
The rest were Makafui Woanya, New Patriotic Party Regional Chairman; Kwame Gakpe, MP for Keta; Richard Kwame Sefa, MP for Anlo; Wisdom Saede, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Keta and Emmanuel Gemegah, former Keta MCE.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey