The National Democratic Congress (NDC), in collaboration with the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, will on Monday, June 22, 2026, commemorate what would have been the 79th birthday of the party’s founder and former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, with a series of events celebrating his enduring legacy.
The commemorative activities, themed “From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy,” are expected to draw senior government officials, party executives, supporters, political activists, cadres, and members of the public.
A major highlight of the celebration will be the formal renaming of the NDC’s national headquarters in Accra after the late statesman, alongside the unveiling of a bust in his honour.
The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m., will be led by President John Dramani Mahama, who is expected to pay tribute to Rawlings’ pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s democratic and political landscape.
Several leading figures of the governing party are also expected to address the gathering, reflecting on Rawlings’ contributions to national development, democratic governance, social justice, and the growth of the NDC since its formation in 1992.
Public Lecture and Exhibition
The second phase of the commemoration will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the auditorium of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra, where a public lecture and exhibition will be held to celebrate the life and achievements of the former President.
Renowned lawyer and academic Tsatsu Tsikata will deliver the keynote address, examining the historical significance of Rawlings’ political journey and his impact on Ghana’s transition from military rule to constitutional democracy.
The programme will also feature presentations by former Minister for Local Government and current Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, and former Minister for Information and National Security, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, both of whom worked closely with the late leader.
An accompanying exhibition will showcase photographs, documents, personal artefacts, and memorabilia chronicling Rawlings’ life, political career, and contributions to Ghana’s democratic development.
Honouring an Enduring Legacy
Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings remains one of the most influential figures in Ghana’s political history. He first led the country as Head of State under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) before becoming Ghana’s first President under the Fourth Republic, serving two constitutional terms from 1993 to 2001.
Widely remembered for his advocacy for accountability, probity, social justice, and grassroots participation, Rawlings’ political ideals continue to shape public discourse and the identity of the NDC.
In a statement announcing the commemorative events, organisers invited party members, supporters, cadres, and the general public to participate in the celebrations and honour the lasting legacy of the late former President.
The statement, signed by the NDC’s Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, described the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on Rawlings’ role in Ghana’s political transformation and his enduring influence on the country’s democratic journey.
