President John Dramani Mahama has described the continuation of Jerry John Rawlings’ ideals and vision as the greatest tribute the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Ghana can offer the late former President.
According to President Mahama, the values championed by the former statesman, including social justice, accountability, national service and empowerment of ordinary citizens, remain relevant to Ghana’s development and democratic progress.
He made the remarks at a ceremony in Accra where the NDC officially renamed its national headquarters as Jerry John Rawlings House and unveiled a bust in honour of the party’s founder.
The event, organised in collaboration with the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, formed part of activities marking what would have been the 79th birthday of Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings on Monday, June 22, 2026.
It was held under the theme: “From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy.”
President Mahama described the late former President as a transformative leader whose commitment to integrity, patriotism, discipline, sacrifice and service to the people helped shape Ghana’s democratic journey.
He said the decision to name the party headquarters after Mr. Rawlings goes beyond honouring his contributions to the NDC and the country, but also serves as a reminder that the values he stood for must continue to guide the party and government.
The President noted that the NDC headquarters, being the centre for party operations, policy discussions and decision-making, was a fitting place to preserve the history and institutional memory of the party’s founder.
He urged party members to uphold unity, strengthen democratic institutions and remain focused on addressing the concerns of Ghanaians through job creation, economic transformation, improved healthcare, education and accountable governance.
Meanwhile, NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah said the decision to rename the headquarters followed extensive consultations by the party’s National Executive Committee.
He explained that although Mr. Rawlings resisted attempts to have monuments named after him while alive, the party believes preserving his legacy through a physical symbol is necessary for future generations.
The NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, also urged members to use the commemoration as an opportunity to reflect on whether they remain committed to the principles of truth, justice, sacrifice and service that inspired the party’s formation.
Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, assured the party leadership of the continued commitment of NDC Members of Parliament to advancing the party’s social democratic values.
Jerry John Rawlings served as Ghana’s Head of State during military rule before becoming the first democratically elected President of the Fourth Republic, serving from 1993 to 2001.
