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Tag: Rawlings

  • BREAKING: Fmr First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings is dead

    BREAKING: Fmr First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings is dead

    Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings has been confirmed dead. This information was made public by the Presidency in a press statement today, Thursday, October 23. She passed away at the age of 76.

    The cause of her death is yet to be made known. However, reports suggest that she died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra in the early hours of Thursday. Meanwhile, the Rawlings family and government representatives have yet to issue an official statement regarding her passing at the time of this report.

    Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast to the late J.O.T. Agyeman and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings served as the First Lady of Ghana from June 4, 1979, to September 24, 1979, during the presidency of Jerry John Rawlings.

    She held the same position again from December 31, 1981, to January 7, 2001. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST), after specialising in Textiles. She furthered her education at the London College of Arts, where she obtained a Diploma in Interior Design.

    Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings did not stop there; she went on to pursue a Diploma in Advanced Personnel Management from Ghana’s Management Development and Productivity Institute in 1979. At GIMPA, she received a Certificate in Development. She later attended Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA, where she pursued a Senior Fellow Diploma in Policy Studies.

    Prior to her involvement in politics and social activism, she worked with the Ghana Tourist Board, the Union Trading Company (UTC) in Accra, and several other organizations.

    As a formidable advocate for women’s rights and social justice, she founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982. The influential non-governmental movement aimed at promoting women’s education, economic empowerment, and legal reforms. Through Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings’ efforts, the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) was enacted to protect the inheritance rights of widows and children.

    In Ghanaian politics, she is recognized as the founder of the National Democratic Party (NDP), through which she ran for president in 2016. She was succeeded by Mohammed Frimpong, who led the party after she stepped down in 2024.

    She parted ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2012, following her defeat to the late President John Atta Mills in the party’s 2011 flagbearer race. She was elected as the NDC’s First Vice Chairperson in 2009.

    In 2018, she launched her book titled It Takes a Woman, which captures her journey in politics and advocacy. Scores of Ghanaians have poured in with their tributes following her passing.

    Recently, she was seen at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House to honour the eight public servants who passed away following the helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 at Adansi in the Ashanti Region. She was also spotted during the Dote Yie funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

    Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings got married to the late Jerry John Rawlings in 1977 after they both met at Achimota School. The couple had four children — three daughters and one son.

    Their children include Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle Constituency; Kimathi Rawlings; Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings; and Amina Rawlings. Unfortunately, Jerry John Rawlings passed away in November 2020 at the age of 73. He was confirmed dead after a short illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Mrs. Nana Konadu Rawlings’ death comes at a time when the country is still recovering from the loss of eight victims in the tragic military helicopter crash. The deceased included Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye.

    Others included Squadron Leader Peter Analaa of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    Meanwhile, investigations into the Z-9 helicopter crash have officially begun following the establishment of an investigative board, as announced by the Ministry of Defence.

    The board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

    President John Mahama earlier disclosed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the Z-9 Air Force helicopter had been retrieved. He made this announcement during his national address on Thursday, August 7, a day after the incident.

    In the United States, the authority responsible for investigating aircraft accidents is the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB is an independent federal agency mandated by Congress to investigate every civil aviation accident in the U.S. as well as significant incidents in other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.

    Since its establishment in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation events. Its mission is to determine probable causes, examine safety issues, and develop recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

    To date, the Board has issued more than 15,500 safety recommendations to over 2,470 recipients, with an implementation rate of 82 percent for the more than 12,700 recommendations that have been closed.

    In Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) is responsible for investigating plane crashes. On July 6, 2020, former President Nana Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the laying before Parliament of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill, 2020.

    The bill sought to establish an autonomous Bureau to conduct investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

  • Speaker orders probe into ‘Daughter of a murderer’ comment, apologises to Rawlings family

    Speaker orders probe into ‘Daughter of a murderer’ comment, apologises to Rawlings family

    Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has directed a full-scale investigation into the controversial “daughter of a murderer” remark made during a parliamentary session, while also issuing an apology to the family of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

    Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, March 4, Mr. Bagbin condemned the comment as unacceptable and an affront to parliamentary decorum. He stressed that such remarks undermine the dignity of the House and assured the public that necessary steps would be taken to identify and hold the responsible MP accountable.

    The Speaker expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging the emotional toll it may have had on Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, and the Rawlings family. He assured them that Parliament does not condone such conduct and that disciplinary measures would be enforced.

    In a bid to ensure transparency, Mr. Bagbin has set a one-week deadline for the MP in question to come forward voluntarily.

    “I advise the member responsible to within the week show honesty and plead than wait for outcome of investigations.”

    He warned that failure to comply would result in severe consequences, with the House ready to impose the highest sanctions once investigations are concluded.

    “… will be liable to be reprimanded or suspended for a period not exceeding 9 months or expelled from Parliament altogether.”

    The Majority Leader has also backed the Speaker’s stance, urging the MP responsible to take responsibility for their actions. He emphasized that Parliament must uphold discipline and called for stricter enforcement of ethical standards among legislators.

    Background

    The controversy erupted on February 4 during a parliamentary session commemorating the 60th anniversary of Joseph Boakye Danquah’s death. As Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin addressed the chamber, an unidentified MP from the backbenches interrupted, shouting, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down!”

    The remark, widely believed to reference former President Rawlings’ political history, sparked immediate outrage among MPs, with many condemning the statement as an attack on Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings’ integrity.

    The Speaker has since reaffirmed his commitment to upholding order in Parliament, ensuring that such incidents are addressed with the seriousness they deserve.

  • I didn’t attack Zanetor, I have great respect for Rawlings – Abu Jinapor

    I didn’t attack Zanetor, I have great respect for Rawlings – Abu Jinapor

    Damongo Member of Parliament, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has strongly denied accusations that he was behind the derogatory remarks aimed at Korle-Klottey MP, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, during a parliamentary session on Tuesday.

    The remarks, which included a claim that Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings was the “daughter of a murderer,” have sparked controversy and social media criticism.

    The incident occurred during a heated debate to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Joseph Boakye Danquah’s passing, which quickly escalated into a confrontation between MPs, revealing intense political tensions.

    The clash began when Tamale Central MP Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed criticized the Minority’s tributes to Danquah, leading to verbal exchanges and the Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Asiamah, restricting contributions to parliamentary leadership.

    Despite these restrictions, chaos continued, with Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings rising to contribute but being ignored by the Speaker. This further fueled the disorder as interruptions and a particularly offensive remark from an unidentified voice in the Minority side ensued.

    The comment, “daughter of a murderer,” aimed at Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, drew significant backlash, with many on social media pointing fingers at Jinapor as the one behind the words.

    In response, Jinapor rejected the accusations, urging the public to disregard the claims. He posted on social media, saying, “For the record, the said allegation is absolutely false.” He further emphasized his respect for both former President Jerry John Rawlings and his family, particularly Dr. Zanetor Rawlings.

    “While he was alive, President Rawlings was someone who took a great likening and interest in me as a young politician and I had great respect for him as a Ghanaian Statesman. I have and will not denigrate the Rawlings’s in any form or shape and any Ghanaian for that matter,” Jinapor stated.

    The Damongo MP reiterated, “That is not in my nature. I have always believed in decent debates and intellectual discourse in Ghanaian public life and Parliament especially, devoid of insults and character assassination!”

  • I will step down on Jan. 7 to join Rawlings, Kufuor who served two terms – Akufo-Addo

    I will step down on Jan. 7 to join Rawlings, Kufuor who served two terms – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has affirmed his intention to step down as president without resistance when his term ends.

    He pledged to follow the precedent set by his predecessors, ensuring a smooth transition of power.

    “I willingly step down as president on 7th January. And I do so because I will be in good company with that of Jerry John Rawlings, and Agyekum Kufuor who in the fourth have been privileged by the people of Ghana to serve two terms as president of the republic,” Akufo-Addo declared during a Senior Citizens luncheon at the Jubilee House on August 5.

    Reflecting on his tenure, President Akufo-Addo expressed profound gratitude for the honour of serving as Ghana’s head of state for two terms.

    He also committed himself to overseeing a peaceful and fair election in December as his final major challenge before leaving office, emphasizing his dedication to this goal with the support of all Ghanaians.

    “The last major challenge for me is to preside over peaceful and fair elections in December, and that is a commitment,” he stated.

    Earlier, during an address to the chiefs and people of Wa, President Akufo-Addo conveyed his gratitude for their support throughout his presidency.

    He informed the Paramount Chief of the Waala traditional area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, of his intention to support the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as his preferred successor.

    However, John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), countered that it is not within President Akufo-Addo’s authority to determine his successor in the upcoming general elections.

    Mahama emphasized that the decision rests with the people of Ghana, who will choose the next leader through their votes.

  • Sons of Rawlings, Mills and Mahama following their fathers’ footsteps?

    Sons of Rawlings, Mills and Mahama following their fathers’ footsteps?

    The male children of some bigwigs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), appear to be following their fathers’ footsteps by making themselves visible in the political space.

    We look at the sons of three of Ghana’s former presidents who are in the limelight and likely to fill the shoes of their fathers one say.

    The male child of the late former President Rawlings, Kimathi Rawlings joined his sister Dr. Zanetor Rawlings take centre stage at the Mahama FitX walk, addressing a crowd of supporters at the Nungua Town Park.

    The event, which marked a successful health walk over the weekend, saw enthusiastic participation from National Democratic Congress (NDC) members and supporters.

    Sharaf Dramani Mahama, the son of former President John Mahama has been seen on political platforms with his father, crisscrossing the country to sell the NDC message to the electorates.

    he has initiated his own political activities, chief among them being a well-attended health walk recently at Tamale.

    Sharaf Mahama, together with other notable politicians of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the northern parts of the country, and thousands of residents around the north, poured out on the streets for his ‘Healthy Hearts, Empowered Youth’ campaign.’

    Also in attendance were Sharaf’s brother, Shafik Mahama; National and Regional Executives of the NDC, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliamentary Candidates (PCs) of the NDC, his friends and party supporters.

    Kofi Atta Mills, the son of the late former president, John Evans Atta Mills, was spotted at a health walk at Damango on Friday, June 28, 2024, where the Sharaf Mahama Foundation provided free health screening for 1,356 people made up of 622 and 734 males and females respectively as part of the ‘Savannah Soccer Tournament’.

    He also partnered with the running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, to organized a similar walk in the Central Region.

    The peace walk was part of the anniversary celebrations of his late father.

    Dubbed the Prof John Evans Atta Mills Peace Walk For Change, it was held at Cape Coast on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

  • Over 300 state-owned factories were sold by NDC under Rawlings regime – NPP pro-activist

    Over 300 state-owned factories were sold by NDC under Rawlings regime – NPP pro-activist

    A pro-activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), known as Gen. Buhari on the social media platform X, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their alleged role in the collapse and sale of over 300 state-owned factories during the administration of Jerry John Rawlings.

    This action, he said, was carried out under the P.N.D.C.L. 326 – the Divestiture of State Interests (Implementation) Act, 1993.

    The Divestiture of State Interests (Implementation) Act, 1993, was an act that provided for the divestiture of interests of the Republic in corporate and other bodies.

    Gen. Buhari noted in his post that “Kwame Nkrumah believed in Industrialization, he put up factories but unfortunately the (P)NDC collapsed all those factories through a law they initiated which is the ‘Divestiture Act’ & turned some of the factories into Churches. Years down the lane, another President who believed in Industrialization, Akufo-Addo, emerged and initiated a policy that seeks to put up factories across the length and breadth of our country through a private-led drive named 1 District 1 Factory. Nkrumah is gone but his vision continues for industrialization.”

    Gen. Buhari’s remarks referenced a submission by Miracles Aboagye, the Director of Communications for the campaign team of the NPP’s flagbearer.

    Aboagye revealed that some of the factories allegedly sold by the NDC included notable establishments such as Kwame Nkrumah Catering Rest Houses, Ghacem Cement, Nsawam Cannery, Kanda GNTC, Atlantic Hotel, Abosso Glass Factory, and Gliksen W/A Company.

  • Rawlings never shaved anyone’s hair with a broken bottle – Zanetor

    Rawlings never shaved anyone’s hair with a broken bottle – Zanetor

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has recently addressed a longstanding allegation involving her late father, former President Jerry John Rawlings.

    The accusation claims that soldiers, acting on Rawlings’ orders, shaved her supposed boyfriend’s head with a broken bottle, leaving him bald.

    The alleged boyfriend, Selassie O’Sullivan-Djentuh, recounted this incident in his asylum application to the British Home Office.

    He claimed that in 2000, after ending his relationship with a young Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, soldiers brutally attacked him.

    “I was driven to the Castle, the seat of government. I was dragged out of the van and beaten again. I was shaved with an old rusty blade and later with a broken bottle. I was told that the President had ordered my hair to be brought to him. They said the President had also ordered them to kill me and dump my body in the sea. I know that my hair was collected. I do not know whether it was actually taken to the President.

    “I was questioned about my relationship with Zanetor and how many times I slept with her. I was beaten up several times throughout my detention. I was questioned about my knowledge of the Rawlings’ estate (their properties and buildings), and I told them I knew nothing. The guards insisted Zanetor had told me certain secrets, and they wanted to know how much I knew. W.O. Budu alleged since my mother had gone on air about my abduction, they could not do what they had planned, but they could chase me to any country I run to and finish me off,” part of Selassie’s five-page statement at the British Home Office reads.

    In her first public comment on the matter, during a June 27, 2024 interview with GHOne TV, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings categorically denied any involvement by her father.

    She explained how the false allegations affected her deeply, especially since she was very young at the time and there was no opportunity to clarify the truth to the public.

    She clarified that her relationship with Selassie had ended by the time of the incident, which she said was related to a land dispute, not her father.

    “My dad had nothing to do with that. The story that I had heard regarding how that all happened was that there was some land issue, and there was some military person involved. At the time, we were not even friends. This was long after I’d gone my way, and he had gone his way. So, this was a bit strange, actually, but politics again, you know, I think it was just a perfect story for the time.

    Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings shared how the allegations had a psychological impact on her and influenced her approach to politics.

    “That bothered me a lot because, at the time, I felt quite unfairly treated because the fact is, the story wasn’t true, and no room was being made for the true version of the story to be told because nobody really wanted to hear it at the time. And, I mean, I was young at the time, you know, doing my little ‘chrife’ thing on the side. And this was a bit devastating, actually, for me.”

  • Krofrom Killer: The man Rawlings jailed for 12 years without trial

    Krofrom Killer: The man Rawlings jailed for 12 years without trial

    Prominent figure in Kumasi, Kweku Kweku, also known as ‘Krofrom Killer,’ reflected on his experiences during Jerry John Rawlings’ presidency in Ghana.

    He recalled the tumultuous period following Rawlings’ 1979 coup, during which many endured hardship and injustice.

    Krofrom recounted his own ordeal when he was detained by soldiers and questioned at the police headquarters.

    Despite being labelled as a notorious figure in Kumasi by Rawlings, he denied the accusation, attributing it to a public misconception.

    “I was in Kumasi in 1979 when Rawlings’ coup took place. At that time, a curfew was in effect, leading to soldiers raiding homes.

    Some of my acquaintances were fatally shot. Being 23 years old, I was quite robust and defiant. The situation compelled me to move to Kumasi for business.

    “One day, I was apprehended by the police at my residence and taken to the headquarters. Rawlings confronted me, alleging, ‘I am the infamous individual from Kumasi who has fled to Accra to perpetuate his notoriety.’

    I contested his allegations, being very assertive,” he narrated during an interview with Poleeno Multimedia.

    Krofrom revealed that despite his protests, he was imprisoned for twelve years until his court appearance, where a female judge released him due to the absence of formal charges.

    “I was never brought before a court for a hearing but remained in custody. I was shuffled between prisons, and this ordeal persisted for twelve years… Eventually, I spoke to a judge who, upon hearing my account, decided to grant me bail,” he concluded.

  • Paul Adom-Otchere revisits origin of Rawlings’ “Babies with sharp teeth” comment

    Paul Adom-Otchere revisits origin of Rawlings’ “Babies with sharp teeth” comment

    At the 2012 Special National Delegates Conference of the NDC, Mr. Jerry John Rawlings issued a challenge to then-President John Dramani Mahama. He urged President Mahama to remove certain individuals from his government, whom Rawlings referred to as ‘babies with sharp teeth.’

    Rawlings criticized these individuals for using their influence destructively, causing divisions within the NDC. He claimed they had attacked party members who had worked tirelessly to bring the NDC to power.

    Speaking at the NDC’s National Delegates’ Congress at the Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi, Rawlings expressed concern that these divisive elements were undermining the principles of probity and accountability upon which the NDC was founded. He believed that restoring integrity to the presidency, the government, and the NDC was crucial for electoral victory for John Mahama.

    Rawlings emphasized the need to rein in these divisive elements to restore unity and integrity to the NDC.

    “…It is often said that we should not throw out the baby with the bathwater…but then what do we do when some of the babies in the tub don’t look like babies?

    “They are babies with hard teeth … (which they can use to) bite hard (and) spill some very horrible invectives,” the former president claimed.

    “…Should they not be lowered even if we don’t want throw them out with the dirty water…?” Mr Rawlings queried, insisting that “one bad nut is all it takes to spoil the taste in your mouth”.

    Twelve years down the line, host of Good Evening Ghana show on Metro TV, Paul Adom-Otchere, has revisited the delicate subject when he touched on a book, ‘Working with Rawlings’, Prof Kwamena Awhoi chronicled.

    Mr Adom-Otchere noted that the individuals being referred to by the late President Rawlings were North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, former aide to ex-president Mahama, Felix Kwakye Ofosu and Dr Edward Omane Boamah.

    “Sammy Gyamfi was not there. Can you imagine, he was not there at the time. He must have been in JHS. But Sammy Gyamfi has come into a culture and it is a culture created by Kwamena Ahoi and Totobi Kwakye,” Mr Adom-Otchere said as he registered displeasure against the current actions by the NDC Communications Director.

    “These are the men Rawlings called babies with sharp teeth because he felt they were insulting,” he added.

    Meanwhile, a former Minister of Communication, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has denied a narration by former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Prof Kwamena Awhoi, that he (Omane Boamah) was part of a group of young party stalwarts purposefully groomed to attack former President Jerry John Rawlings any time the founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) attacked President John Atta Mills before his death.

    “I have read excerpts of the Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi’s book, ‘Working with Rawlings’ that appear to suggest I was among a group of young politicians, who were purposely engaged by him and others to respond to and ‘talk back’ at former President Rawlings for the latter’s attacks on the personality of the late President of Ghana, His Excellency John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills.

    “Respectfully, I need to place on record that this claim is wholly and completely inaccurate and untrue”, the former presidential spokesperson said.

    “As a young man and politician with core convictions”, Dr Omane Boamah said: “I was never engaged nor could I have allowed myself to be used by anyone to talk back at former President Rawlings”.

    He continued: “My principled stand in defending the late President Atta Mills, without insults, against attacks I thought were underserved was borne out of my respect and appreciation of the personality of the late President Mills – the Asomdwehene, his pureness of heart and other sterling and unique qualities that he possessed to a fault”.

    “The suggestion that my defence of the late President was part of a deliberate ‘strategy’ by elders is irksome to me”, he said.

    “It does not reflect my personality as a politician of conviction and not of convenience”, he noted.

    “For the record, I state emphatically and unequivocally that any claim that I was a recruited participant in any such grand agenda could only be the result of an inadvertent error in recollection and not founded on anything that remotely resembles the truth”, Dr Omane Boamah stressed.

  • Rawlings was angry because NPP is a property-owning party – Fritz Baffour

    Rawlings was angry because NPP is a property-owning party – Fritz Baffour

    Former Minister for Information, Fritz Baffour, has shed light on why former President Jerry John Rawlings did not see eye to eye with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    According to Mr Baffour, the late Rawlings strongly opposed the ideology of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) main political rival, because it identified itself as a property-owning party.

    During an interview with Kafui Dey on the third anniversary of Rawlings’ passing on November 12, 2020, Mr Baffuor said, “He was a man of the people, and this was a property-owning party, but he realised that there was hope because this was a democratic process and there was a chance that we would win power back.”

    He added, “He (Rawlings) believed that this was a developing country, and so everybody had to have the opportunity to be successful at whatever they were doing. If you had a property-owning democracy, they’d be more selfish with the fact that they are looking for their properties; they’d protect their properties against human beings.”

    The late President Jerry John Rawlings established the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with a foundational commitment to social democracy, emphasizing values such as probity and accountability.

    These principles originated during the revolutionary era when Rawlings led a military junta to power in 1981.On

    On its website, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) describes itself as a centre-right and liberal conservative party in Ghana with the symbol of an African elephant.

    “The party was founded on 28th July, 1992, with the aim of bringing together like-minded citizens of the country so that they may strive for Freedom and Justice by the appreciation and protection of human rights and the rule of law through the practice of true democracy; to build in this country a free and democratic system of government under which all citizens will be able to contribute to the welfare, peace, and prosperity of our nation and keep its people free from dictatorship, and oppression,” the website further adds.

  • What did Rawlings do for Ghana after killing people? Nothing! – Kofi Amoabeng

    What did Rawlings do for Ghana after killing people? Nothing! – Kofi Amoabeng

    Prominent businessman and the founder of the now-defunct UT Bank, Kofi Amoabeng, has voiced his opinion that former President Jerry John Rawlings missed a significant opportunity for the development of Ghana.

    He expressed the view that the first Ghanaian President of the 4th Republic did not sufficiently advance the country as required during his tenure.

    During an interview on Kingdom FM on Thursday, October 27, 2023, Kofi Amoabeng asserted that the late Jerry John Rawlings had the greatest chance to bring about transformative changes in Ghana, but, in his opinion, he fell short of doing so.

    Amoabeng went on to mention that the most notable achievement of the former president of Ghana was overseeing the country’s transition into the fourth republic.

    “…when Papa Jay came, what did he do for Ghana? After all the people he killed, what did he do for Ghana?

    “He didn’t do anything. What happened to us? But we had some stability, and he gave us the Fourth Republic,” he said.

    Kofi Amoabeng made these statements in response to suggestions that Kennedy Agyapong, a hopeful flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), might be an effective president for Ghana due to his perceived resemblance to the late Jerry John Rawlings.

    Amoabeng contested the notion that Ghana requires a ‘radical president’ to bring about transformation, emphasising that even during the era of Jerry Rawlings, substantial change did not materialise.

    Furthermore, Kofi Amoabeng recently criticised the performance of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. During an interview on TV3 in Accra, he expressed the view that the government had not executed sound economic planning.

    “Of course, if you fail with the planning and management of the finances of the country, you have failed.

    “So yes, [the Finance Minister] has failed; there is nothing too waste,” he said.

    In a different interview, Mr. Amoabeng alleged that the government collapsed Heritage Bank just for political reasons.

  • I fixed ‘dumsor’ though I did not create it – Mahama

    I fixed ‘dumsor’ though I did not create it – Mahama

    John Dramani Mahama, a former president, claimed that the energy challenge (dumsor) was something he inherited.

    However, he said, he took responsibility for the problem and solved it before leaving office in 2016.

    Mr Mahama indicated that the dumsor was a generation problem therefore his government invested in power generation as part of the solution.

    Speaking to delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday, April 14, Mr Mahama who is seeking to be elected flagbearer of the NDC said “In 2016, I wouldn’t say Ghana was a paradise but our situation was far better than it is today.

    “In 2016 our colleagues the NPP told a lot of lies about us, they labelled us as incompetent and they came with a lot of big and sweet promises to the people of Ghana and used that to persuade the people that they will be a better government than we were.

    “And so the people of Ghana tried them by voting for them, they said they should try them and that was the mistake the people of Ghana made because we have come to realise that after all the ‘we have the men. we have the men’ it was station boys, they don’t know anything.”

    He added, “If you take our ministers who were running this country in 2016 and compare them with their ministers who are running Ghana today pound for pound, our ministers were far better than any of them.”

    He further indicated that “We solved many difficult challenges, dumsor was not created by us, it was lack of generation capacity over the years, and so when we came into office we were confronted with it, we did not run away, we did not shift the blame to somebody.

    “I could have said Presidents Rawlings and Kuffuor and President Mills did not add new generation but what we did was, we took responsibility, I went to Parliament and said yes you elected us to take responsibility, we take responsibility and we shall fix it.

    “Truly, by the time we left in 2016, we had fixed dumsor, we had fixed the generational challenges Indeed, they accused us of putting in too much generation than we needed.”

  • Why the Rawlings’ don’t talk to me – Victor Smith details

    Victor Smith, a former aide to late president Jerry John Rawlings has disclosed his willingness to repair the broken relationship between himself, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and the late president’s children.

    Victor Smith laments that despite being close to them at the early stages of their lives, he is not on talking terms with any of Rawlings’ children including Dr Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey.

    He disclosed to Captain Smart on Onua TV that whiles he made up with JJ Rawlings before his demise, he still has a broken relationship with Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings.

    The former diplomat detailed what led to a complete breakdown in his relationship with the Rawlings family.

    According to him, it was due to a lie someone told the family about him and he reckons Nana Konadu passed on the information to her children who also grew up with such a mindset of him.

    He recounted how an investor, who later turned out to be a fraud, reached out to him about supporting the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    In the course of his interaction with the person, a request was made from the person that he (Victor Smith) make some payment to him (the alleged investor) to facilitate the process of getting the money but he (Victor Smith) realized it was a fraudulent scheme and said no.

    Victor Smith claims the alleged fraudster travelled to Ghana and made some allegations against him to the Rawlings family and that led to the collapse in his relationship with the family.

    “I still will like to be her friend. We still don’t talk at all. Even the children none of them wants to know me including Zanetor. Maybe an allegation was made against me on an issue. President Rawlings himself commented on it in Wa.

    “Someone wanted to bring some money to him and the party but I told the person to give the money to Atta Mills. The whole story was not true. I wanted help for the party and I was talking to the person but that person turned out to be con person and he tried to extort money from me.

    “I told him I don’t do that and he went behind me to tell Mrs Rawlings that I’m hinting that Rawlings will misuse the money and he got angry with it. That is when they planned to get rid of me. We meet at gatherings and exchange pleasantries, that’s all,” he said.

    Victor Smith, however, disclosed that he made up with JJ Rawlings and said his side of the story before he died. He is looking for the same opportunity to speak to Nana Konadu and the children to bury the hatchet once and for all.

    Victor Smith also opined he is not sure Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings would like to return to the National Democratic Congress.

  • Dan Abodakpi eulogizes late Prof. Kwesi Botchwey

    A former Minister of Trade and Industry, Dan Abodakpi, has described as remarkable the contributions of Former Finance Minister, Professor Kwesi Botchwey.

    According to him, the former Finance Minister will always be remembered as the Minister who changed the country’s economic fortunes.

    Professor Kwesi Botchwey died at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

    Prof. Botchwey served in the Rawlings government under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) regime from 1982 to 1991 and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) civilian regime as the Secretary for Finance and Minister of Finance and Economic Planning from 1992 to 1995, making him the longest-serving finance minister.

    Commenting after hearing the death of the former statesman, Dan Abodakpi said Ghana has truly lost an illustrious son.

    Dan Abodakpi described the news as shocking and doubting because he was with the late Prof. Botchwey about three weeks ago at a Council of Elders meeting.

    “The news of his passing has hit me like a big blow because it is just about three weeks ago that we met at the Council of Elders Meeting of the Party. So when I read the information on my WhatsApp, I was very doubtful.”

    He added that the late Prof. Botchwey has duly paid his dues to both his party and country and his contributions towards the development of the country were impactful.

    “When there was some controversy over the introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT), Kwesi was a very hardworking individual, a team player, somebody who believes deeply in the values of the revolution and did his best to make sure that the goals and objectives of the 31 December Revolution were realized.”

    “When we transitioned into democracy, he was an active participant in that process and, while working at the Ministry of Finance, did whatever he could to help us navigate some of the rough waters. Personally, I have lost a friend, I have lost a great ideological partner and this country has lost a great son.”

    Professor Kwesi Botchwey was a member and Chairman of IMF‘s Group of Independent Experts who conducted the first-ever external evaluation of the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility, an advisor to the UNDP’s UN Special Initiative on Africa, and an advisor to the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM).

  • Retired GBC staff recounts 1983 gun battle in a failed attempt to overthrow Rawlings

    A veteran Ghanaian broadcaster, Amankwa Ampofo, has recounted his experience during the failed attempt to overthrow the PNDC government led by Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings in 1983.

    In an interview with Oman Channel, the retired journalist recalled his days at the Ghana Broadcasting Cooperation and the events of June 19, 1983.

    This was during the time when a failed coup attempt, led by Lance Corporal Carlos Halidu Giwa, saw a heavy exchange of fire in the compound of the state broadcasting firm.

    “I remember in 1983-84, Giwa wanted to overthrow the government. He wanted to overthrow the government of Rawlings and that is how come Giwa was killed when he was arrested,” he stated.

    Having been caught up in the exchange of fire that ensued during the attempted coup, Amankwa Ampofo told Theophilus Annan of Oman Channel that he had to lie on his stomach for about five hours to survive the heavy gunfire.

    “But on that day, the pathetic thing was that I was on duty. I was a witness to the fighting in the compound of GBC during the Giwa coup. I had to lie on my stomach for five hours because you would not know which direction a gunshot is coming from if you raise up your head,” he recounted.

    A little over a year after seizing power from the Limann administration, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings was almost overthrown by men who used to be his allies.

    On June 19, 1983, Lance Corporal Carlos Halidu Giwa, who was in the Ghana Army, led a military coup d’état with the help of other soldiers, including Sergeant Abdul Malik.

    Some of the men made their way to GBC, where they announced taking over power from the PNDC government.

    Their message to the nation was given by Carlos Halidu Gyiwa, who described himself as the Operational Commissioner of the Revolutionary Fighters.

    Their reason for the attempted takeover was that “Flt Lt Rawlings and his team had been found to be inefficient. While he preached virtue, Flt Lt Rawlings practiced vice.”

    Captain Courage Quashigah, however, led some soldiers to the broadcasting house and succeeded in taking over the place after a gun battle saw the rebels run away.

    After taking over, Captain Quashigah broadcasted to inform the nation that the coup attempt had been foiled.

     

  • Rawlings issues statement on the military siege in the Volta Region

    Former President of the Republic of Ghana, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings has issued a statement early this morning on the militarization of the Volta and Oti regions ahead of the voter ID card registration which is set to begin on Tuesday.

    There have been issues of an alarming security presence in the region especially in the southernmost sector which is touted as the stronghold of the National Democratic Congress.

    Residents claim they are being accosted and intimidated by the military and other security personnel deployed to the area.

    Reacting to the development, the former President called on government to ensure “fairness and justice” even as they try to protect the sanctity of the registration process.

    Mr. Rawlings said the sudden deployment is raising eyebrows and “generating animosity among innocent citizens whose basic way of life is being disrupted”.

    He said the COVID-19 situation has already created so much hardship for the people of the Volta and Oti Regions as a result of the border closure and called on the government not to make the situation more difficult for the border dwellers.View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

    Source: opera.com

  • Beautiful unseen photos of John Mahama and J J Rawlings that shows they are still together

    The Ex-president of Ghana and the flag bearer of the opposition party NDC, John Dramani Mahama, the Ghanaian politician who served as President of Ghana from 24 July 2012 to 7 January 2017, who also previously served as Vice President of Ghana from January 2009 to July 2012, and took office as President on 24 July 2012 following the death of his predecessor, John Atta Mills has once again caused a stir on social media with some new latest photos of himself and J J Rawlings.

    In the photos, the Ex-president was seen with the John Jerry John Rawlings, the former Ghanaian military leader, and politician who ruled the country from 1981 to 2001 and also for a brief period in 1979 and also led a military junta until 1992 and then served two terms as the democratically elected President of Ghana.

    The photos were taken in different locations. The photos have caused a stir on social media that have got a lot of followers on social media talking due to the numerous disagreements they have had on many occasions so many people think there’s no peace between them or they are still not cool the below photos them shows they are still rocking together.

    This is what the commentators are saying:

    kialain_wendell “Lovely n honest people I cherished. Bravo good Presidents.👏👏👏”

    eddie.nas.1 “I smell victory coming…. 2020… power ohhhh power🔥🔥🔥”

    21gs_gunsaluteusa “Too dope GREAT MINDS”

    godwin_aheto “These is the man who speak real English not by Base ❤️🙌”

    hajiapat “A picture can speak a thousand words. Patiently waiting for your return. May God bless mother Ghana.😍”

    3304mimi “You couldn’t have been anywhere better👏… This is the yr of redemption…May God lead you to ur redemption… Amen Amen 🙏🙏”

    peterniino “Lovely picture of you great stuff am overwhelmingly loving you great generosity thanks❤️😍🔥🙌😮👏\’

    ”

    Source: Jayices1234

  • Rawlings commends Scholarship Secretariat for localising award process

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings has in a meeting with the Registrar of the Scholarship Secretariat, Kingsley Agyemang, and members of his management team commended them for the decentralization of the scholarship process.

    He said the difficulty many deserving students suffer in their bid to obtain scholarships will be a thing of the past if the Secretariat supervises the process adequately to ensure that there is no discrimination.

    “I am impressed that responsibility has been devolved to the Districts. There has been so much prejudice against the scholarship secretariat because of the perception that there is discrimination in the choices made and it only benefits privileged persons. You have to monitor the devolved process otherwise the very thing you are trying to avoid will be repeated.

    “During my tenure as President, I devoted 40 percent of my time to checking corruptible tendencies. That is why I was able to contain corruption. We have difficulties giving fairness a chance in this country with influence often overriding ability and merit. This development makes me feel good and I urge you to give the new process more publicity so deserving students can take advantage of the process,” former President Rawlings said.

    Madam Ebi Bright, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Tema Central, who was part of the meeting, stated that there is a cultural tendency towards patronage in the country. People who have access to power tend to always compromise situations. She noted that even with the devolution of the process it is still going to be difficult to balance the good intentions of the Secretariat and urged the Registrar and his team to do their utmost to support local talent and ideas in a fair environment.

    An aide to the former President, Dr. Donald Agumenu noted that the Scholarship Secretariat plays an integral role in building human capital and called for a fair distribution of scholarships and adequate and regular evaluation of the process.

    The Scholarship Registrar informed the former President at Wednesday’s meeting that his outfit, working in collaboration with regional and district authorities had devolved the selection process to ensure that deserving students across the country were offered opportunities to obtain scholarships to further their education.

    The Registrar said district assemblies will be responsible under stated guidelines for publishing scholarship openings using local information channels. Shortlisted applicants will then appear before the District Scholarship Secretariat after which a recommendation will be made to the Central Scholarship Review Committee secretariat for the award of scholarships.

    The Composition of the Review Committee will be made up of the District or Municipal Chief Executives, a representative from the traditional authority which is very dominant within the district, a representative from the Ghana Education Service or any tertiary institution in the district, and two other representatives to be appointed by the Scholarship Secretariat.

    Other members of the Scholarship Secretariat at the meeting were Richard Aidoo – Director of Accounts, Joseph Essah – Deputy Director, Administration, Grace Afari-Mensah, and Jennifer Evelyn Bedu Assistant Protocol Officers.

    Members of President Rawlings’ team included Dr. Anthony Dzegede, Kobina Andoh Amoakwa, and Ogochukwu Nweke.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • History: Reasons why J.J Rawlings fingernails were removed

    Have you wondered why someone’s fingernails would be removed as a punishment?

    What sin can someone do to result in his or her finger nails be removed?

    Obviously, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings got his finger nails removed as a punishment

    This is what happened.

    On the 25 of May 1979, Rawlings and other junior soldiers were arrested for attempted coup against Supreme Military Council of General F. K Akuffo.

    Rawlings and the other junior soldiers sent to court for trial, after the trials Rawlings was found guilty, he was imprisoned in a “guardroom” for two weeks

    The state prosecutor was flight lieutenant Atiemo and the president of the military tribunal was Col. Aninful

    His 10 fingers were removed as a punishment for attempted coup against the ruling government.

    Drop your comments, how would it feel if your fingernails are been removed?

    Please Like | Share | Follow for more updates.

    Source: opera.com

  • Former President Rawlings urges SA to expose apartheid collaborators

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings has urged the South Africans to expose apartheid collaborators, some of whom parade in their countries as patriots after performing some unconscionable and extremely repulsive acts.

    He noted that the intelligence machinery of the former apartheid regime of South Africa used to pay treacherous characters in some African countries; adding that the collaborators served as spies and helped to spread malicious disinformation.

    Former President Rawlings made the appeal in Accra in a virtual address to mark the 41st Anniversary of the June 4th Revolution, on the theme: “Strengthening the Spirit of Patriotism, Resilience and Integrity in Difficult Times”.

    He said because the post-apartheid leadership of South Africa was silent on some of the traitors spread across the continent, many of them were still doing some perfidious things.

    Source: GNA

  • Today in history: I get hurt when the media misrepresents me Rawlings

    Today marks exactly two years since former President of Ghana, and Founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jerry John Rawlings expressed his anguish about unfavourable coverage of him by the media.

    According to Mr. Rawlings, Ghanaians generally are quick to consume news about him without taking time to understand what the stories really mean; judging him in the process.

    “When the media reports issues about me, it hurts me people are not able to analyze their headlines and content of their stories before they judge,” Mr. Rawlings stated.

    He made the statement while addressing party supporters at the Arts Centre in Accra during a town hall meeting being organized by Cadres and NDC activists.

    The former president has come under attack by his own party for openly castigating the party while it was in power. The relations between the founder and some leading members seem to have been cold over time.

    Mr. Rawlings said he hated evil and injustice so when people hate him because he speaks his mind, he is the least bothered.

    Read the original story as published on GhanaWeb on March 20, 2018

    Founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings says he gets hurt when the media give negative reports about him.

    “When the media reports issues about me, it hurts me people are not able to analyze their headlines and content of their stories before they judge,” Mr. Rawlings stated.

    The former President was addressing party supporters at the Arts Centre in Accra during a town hall meeting being organised by Cadres and NDC Activists.

    The former NHIA Boss Sylvester Mensah, former Defense Minister Dr. Kumbour, former Eastern Regional Minister Antwi Boasiako Sekyere and other Party Big shots attended the event.

    Former President Rawlings has come under attack by his own party for openly castigating the party while it was in power. The relations between the founder and some leading members seem to have been cold overtime.

    Mr. Rawlings said he hated evil and injustice so when people hate me because I speak my mind, I am the least bothered.

    He described the Special Prosecutor who was a former Attorney General in an NDC government Martin Alamisi Kaiser Burns Amidu as an asset who could have been used by the John Dramani Mahama government to its advantage whiles in office.

    “Why should the NDC and the NPP be angry over a simple appointment?” he quizzed.

    He hinted that his book which contains a lot of secrets will be out soon.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Rawlings is not strict, he cracks jokes – Kofi Adams

    Former spokesperson of ex-president Jerry John Rawlings, Kofi Adams has revealed that contrary to perceptions that Rawlings may be a strict non-smiling person in private, he is actually a very kind, accommodating person who makes the environment very relaxed for people in his company.

    Kofi Adams, a former organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) revealed in an interview with Joy Prime Monday monitored by MyNewsGh.com that the former President is someone who gives a listening ear to people who approach him with their challenges.

    “Till you get close to him you will never know how Rawlings is, he makes the environment around him very relaxing. He will always crack a joke for those around him to fill relaxed, especially when the atmosphere is tensed,” he noted.

    “I have worked with a lot of leaders, but his leadership style is different and it has influenced me a lot, even with how I relate with people,” he revealed.

    Former President Rawlings, founder of the NDC, is widely respected as a statesman of high repute.

    He became military leader in 1981 and President in 1993 when the country adopted multi-party democracy and also considered as the founding father of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Okumkom worked with the zeal of a military commander at the war front Rawlings

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings joined hundreds in Manhyia, Kumasi on Monday to pay their last respects to the late Nana Akwasi Agyeman, an Ashanti Royal, former Deputy Minister and a former Municipal Chief Executive of Kumasi.

    A grand durbar hosted by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who sat in state with several leading Ashanti chiefs was also attended by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama as well as several Ministers of State, the Chief Justice, corporate leaders and people from all walks of life.

    The former President and his wife personally commiserated with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as he sat in state and took time to also commiserate with chiefs and queenmothers present at the durbar.

    Nana Akwasi Agyeman, who spent most of his political office during the tenure of former President Rawlings was popularly known for his no-nonsense approach as the longest serving Mayor of Kumasi. He was later appointed Deputy Minister of Environment in charge of the northern sector.

    In a tribute to Nana Akwasi Agyeman, popularly referred to as Okumkom, the former President described him as “a man who was available at the right time and at the right place. His vibrancy helped to ensure command and control. He approached the role with the zeal of a military commander at the war front.

    “Discipline was key in achieving his objectives and he was not one to stay in the office and bellow out orders. He bellowed out orders all right, but out in the open, directly supervising and exhibiting an enviable hands-on approach. He enjoyed working and the tempo of the revolution sat well with his temperament.”

    Nana Akwasi Agyeman who died at the age of 86, was laid to rest on Monday night after a burial service at the St. Cyprians Anglican Church in Kumasi.

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • SONA 2020: Why Rawlings did not join Minoritys walk out

    The NDC MPs immediately after the National Anthem was sung in Parliament during President Akufo-Addo’s 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), walked out repeating a line in the anthem: “and help us to resist oppressors rule with all our will and might forevermore”.

    However, former President Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings who were present in the House sat through the session.

    The question on the minds of critics is why the former President who is the founder of the NDC did not join the minority in their walk out.

    The Minority at a press conference on Thursday answered the question.

    According to Minority Leader, Haruna Idrissu, the boycott was decision of the Minority MP’s and not a collective decision of the NDC.

    He reiterated the unity within the party and said their founder is still an integral member of the party.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Re: Rawlings is a spokesperson for thieves

    The attention of the Forum for Probity and Accountability has been drawn to a publication on Ghanaweb on February 10, 2020, by one Alhassan Salifu Bawah a lecturer at the University of Education-Winneba.

    In as much as we believe and respect the right to free speech we are also aware of our cultural tenets which enjoins us to respect our elders.

    We want to emphasize that the publication of the Office of the former President Jerry John Rawlings clearly defined the basis for the former President Rawlings’ call and so attacking his person in the manner of Mr Bawah, demonstrates the moral hollowness that has engulfed the University as a result of the injustice reigning there.

    We want to remind Mr Bawah that at his age, former President Rawlings has distinguished himself as a Head of State and a voice of conscience on the continent of Africa and the world stage.

    The visionary leadership of former President Rawlings is what gave birth to the University of Education and paved way for people like Mr.Bawah to parade themselves as lecturers today.

    The statement by the former President’s office raises serious issues for which the University and people like Mr Bawah should be responding to instead of attacking the person of the Former President.

    We are surprised that Mr Bawah could think that the former President would speak for others but what do we expect? Mr Bawah needs to  defend his daily bread which is dependent on how much of the Vice Chancellor’s boot he leaks.

    We were expecting Mr.Bawah and the likes of him to respond appropriately to the numerous petition of their criminal activities that are flying in the corridors of the various state investigation Agencies to save the sinking image of the University.

    It is obviously clear that the University is suffering a huge dip in public goodwill hence the continuous visit of leadership to some prominent members of the Ghanaian society with the promise of an award of an Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

    The real intent of all these is to give the Prof. Afful Broni (Rev.fr) administration some whitewash in the eyes of the public. Thank God we have a very discerning Speaker of Parliament in Prof. Mike Ocquaye who would not fall for such face-saving agenda.

    We at this juncture invite the Office of the  Special Prosecutor to be interested in the matter of maladministration and impropriety going on in that University-The UEW deserves better.

    We want to advise Mr.Bawah to in future guide himself within the Mamprusi culture he referred to when he wants to make such comments and also avoid commenting on matters such as this one, which is obviously above his intellectual capacity.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

     

  • Rare photo of Rawlings after an attempted coup detat

    In June 1983, Ghana’s borders were closed and curfew hours extended by the head of state, Flight Lt. Jerry John Rawlings.

    This was to ensnare rebel soldiers who staged the fourth unsuccessful coup attempt against his military government.

    Read: Coup plot: Court denies bail to seven suspects

    Rawlings said on Radio Ghana that there was an attempted coup but was crushed after the loyal troops and the rebels fought for a few hours in Accra.

     

    He faced four coup attempts against his ruling Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC).

    At age 35, JJ Rawlings seized power in the West African nation twice, that is, in 1979 against a military government and 1981, against a civilian government.

    Read: Flashback: JJ is planning a coup Kennedy Agyapong

    Ghana was on a trajectory of prosperity in Black Africa when it gained independence from Britain in 1957 but alas through such military upheavals and bad governance by civilian administrations, the narrative has changed.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

     

  • Major Boakye Gyan discloses why Rawlings unnecessarily ‘attacks Mahama

    Major (Rtd.) Osahene Boakye Gyan has revealed why former Military leader and founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), President Jerry John Rawlings, used to criticise the late John Evans Atta-Mills and Ex-President John Dramani Mahama ‘without any justifiable reason’.

    He told Neat FM’s Adakabre Frimpong Manso that he [Boakye Gyan] had advised the former President [Mahama] not to pay attention to Mr Rawlings and his ‘insults’.

    Read: Rawlings failed Flt. Lt. exam 5 times; I passed him as chief examiner Boakye-Djan

    He said Rawlings is very envious of John Mahama and that the latter’s record is comparable to that of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

    “His [Mahama’s] father was a minister in Kwame Nkrumah’s government…Mahama learnt his politics from a dining hall table when he [Rawlings] was playing ‘gutter to gutter’ football at Adabraka,” Boakye Gyan stated.

    “He has this complex about anybody who is good around him,” Osahene Gyan added.

    Major Boakye Gyan stated that Rawlings’s hero has always been Major General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka and before he [Kotoka] overthrew Kwame Nkrumah, Rawlings knew about it.

    Read: June 4 revolution: Rawlings killed and drowned Kojo Lee in the ocean Boakye Gyan alleges

    “What has John Dramani Mahama done to him [Rawlings] that he is always on him?” he quizzed.

    Major Boakye Gyan expressed his disappointment in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who now see Rawlings as their ‘hero’.

    “We know Rawlings for a long time but I am sorry for the NPP who have drawn closer to him as their ‘hero’…Since 1979 – 40-years ago – I have not heeded to whatever that he says…we have never met!” he stressed.

    Listen to Boakye Gyan’s full interview below.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • We need a reality check, it’s only Rawlings who can help us Allotey Jacobs

    President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, in a recent broadcast to the nation where he announced the truncation of the much-publicized but controversial referendum, had indicated that after a meeting with the three former Presidents: Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama on April 18, 2017 “I came away from that meeting with the view that there was consensus amongst us that the time had come for political parties to participate openly in district assembly elections and local governance”.

    Stop accusing Akufo Addo of nepotism and get to work Allotey Jacobs to NDC

    However, Mr Mahama, days after that assertion, shot back explaining that even though the issue was raised at the meeting, there was no consensus.

    The former President revealed that; “President Kufuor was for political party participation in the election of MMDCEs [but]….i took the stance of the Fiadjoe Committee that we should still keep political parties out, that we can achieve the election of our DCEs without political party participation. President Rawlings did not express any firm stand, but on that particular matter, there was no consensus, even though we discussed it, there was consultation [but] there was no consensus.”

    Speaking to these issues on PeaceFM’s Morning show, “Kokrokoo”, Social Commentator, Bernard Allotey Jacobs said while he “believes former President Mahama is speaking the truth”, he “knows for a fact that President Akufo-Addo does not lie”.

    Family and friends govt started in the days of King David Allotey Jacobs jabs

    So where lies the truth?

    According to him, “the only one who can help us is former President Jerry John Rawlings”.

    Watch his submission in the video below:

  • Otumfuo calls on Rawlings, Mahama

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, paid a courtesy call on former President Jerry John Rawlings at the Ridge residence in Accra last Friday.

    Accompanied by a retinue of chiefs and elders from the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo Osei Tutu exchanged pleasantries with the former President, his family and staff after which the two proceeded to hold private discussions.

    The former President said the two discussed issues of national concern and thanked the Asantehene for making time to call on him in Accra.

    Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II visits Mahama

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu was in Accra to deliver a keynote lecture at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA).

    The lecture, which was delivered, on Friday, was on the theme “Leadership: Strengthening Democratic Institutions for National Development”.

    Mahama

    In a related visit, Otumfuo Osei Tutu also paid a courtesy call on former President John Mahama ahead of his UPSA Leadership Lecture 2019.

    In a facebook post on his wall, former President Mahama said “It was an opportunity to once again discuss with the Asantehene a number of critical national development issues and also tap into his wise counsel.

    Otumfuo, Agorkorli to grace 2019 Hogbetsotsoza

    “Otumfuo Asantehene and I have always had a relationship underlined by mutual respect and brotherliness, and it was indeed a great honour to welcome him and his delegation,” he stated.

    At the meting, he said, were the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, a former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, executives of the NDC and former appointees.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • My posture was out of discomfort, not hatred for Mahama Rawlings

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings has denied claims that he deliberately sat and turned away from former President John Mahama at a funeral they both attended in the Volta Region not too long ago because there is no love lost between them.

    A picture of Mr Rawlings sitting and looking away from Mr. Mahama became the toast of social media recently and attracted widespread commentary about perceived and rumoured tensions between the two former Presidents.

    Politicians have mastered act of deception to perpetuate power Rawlings

    However, Mr Rawlings, while signing the Book of Condolence for the Late Mrs Victoria Adzagli Ametefee, wife of Mr Henry K. Ametefee, the Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, who died in Ho recently, explained that he sat that way because he was uncomfortable in the seat.

    According to him, he suffered an injury several years ago when he had a rough parachute landing in some very bad weather a situation that forced him to be using an orthopaedic foam which, he noted, he could not carry with him everywhere he went.

    “I actually turned toward Mr. Mahama more than three times and where is that picture”, Mr Rawlings asked.

    Rawlings unhappy with poor state of Volta roads

    “Why did this intruder refuse to circulate my sitting position adjusting myself toward Mr Mahama but chose the opposite?” he wondered, asking: “What purpose does this serve anybody … more so when I cannot go to all places armed with the foam?”

    “This is a clear case of misrepresentation of facts,” the GNA quoted Mr Rawlings as saying.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • I have no issue with Mahama Rawlings

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings has debunked rumours that there was bad blood between him and the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama.

    He said a recent social media image purporting to show a pensive disagreement and negative discourse between him and Mr Mahama and two others at a funeral was calculated mischief, intended to create disaffection.

    Rawlings debunks alleged bad blood with Mahama

    Former President Rawlings said this when he signed the Book of Condolence for the Late Mrs Victoria Adzagli Ametefee, wife of Mr Henry K. Ametefee, Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, who died recently in Ho.

    He said he was nursing an injury from a parachute false landing in a bad weather several years ago, which led to the occasional discomfort he suffered when in sitting position.

    Medical examination of the injury then confirmed it was not a bad situation but the discomfort of sitting for long hours compelled him to occasionally use an orthopaedic foam to manage the pain.

    Former President Rawlings said because of that discomfort, he adjusted his seat at the funeral for some relief and not that he had issues with former President Mahama.

    Politicians have mastered act of deception to perpetuate power Rawlings

    “I actually turned towards Mr Mahama more than three times and where is that picture.”

    “Why did this intruder refuse to circulate my sitting position adjusting myself towards Mr Mahama but chose the opposite…what purpose does this serve anybody… more so when I cannot go to all places armed with the foam?” he asked.

    Former President Rawlings entreated the public to ignore such negative publicity for parochial reasons and stressed the need for people to be steadfast and truthful always.

    “This is a clear case of misrepresentation of facts,” he added, saying, social media and its power should be harnessed towards constructive nation-building and forging social cohesion and not to distract and plant discord.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Rawlings’ ‘sexy’ photo with 8 packs that set the internet ablaze

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings has once again received some admiration from the social media community, not for something he has said or done, but for an old black and white photograph of himself that has resurfaced.

    The photograph making the rounds on Facebook and on WhatsApp statuses shows the energetic sunglasses-wearing former president during his revolutionary days in 1983 standing with no shirt on as he helps to build a bridge at a location GhanaWeb cannot independently verify.

    Understudy chiefs to appreciate value of truth Rawlings to politicians

    The part of the photograph that got the internet talking was his ripped body with 8 packs that many men and women will literally die for. While others are in admiration, some are of the assertion that since the former president has lost his ripped body, then their “one packs” are fine.

    “Even JJ has lost his 6 Packs..lemme not kill myself. 2 is ok,” says a Facebook user. “…..”THE SIX PACKS S3F WEY IKILL NANA KUNADU NÃ’………OOOH WOMEN D3N HARD GUYS;HHHHMMMMMM……” says another.

    Below is the photograph in question and comments from social media users.

    Source: ghanaweb.com

  • Rawlings takes on corrupt NPP appointees

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings has bemoaned the fact that some NPP appointees are still in office when corrupt allegations have been levelled against them.

    In a keynote address delivered at a conference of cadres and activists of the revolution in Kumasi on Saturday, the former President while counselling the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to tread carefully in some of its actions, also took time to take on some NPP appointees stating that they should not be in office when serious corruption allegations had been made against them.

    Read: Six public officers standing corruption trial still at post; Martin Amidu questions why

    He mentioned the Board Chairman of the Ghana Water Company who was still in office at a time when serious allegations had been made against him over inflation of contractual figures and called for his interdiction pending the outcome of thorough investigations by the relevant investigative institutions.

    Touching on the Ghana Immigration Service, Flt Lt Rawlings also questioned the appointment of the current Comptroller when allegations levelled against him years ago had not been officially investigated. He said though a court has ruled that he should be reinstated with his benefits after the Service failed to investigate the allegations within a reasonable time frame, no effort had subsequently been made to interrogate the issues and bring final closure to the allegations of irregularity and misconduct.

    He said the Comptroller should have nevertheless instituted a probe to exonerate himself and identify those who were culpable in the alleged Chinese visa scandal. He called for a competent team to be put in place to investigate the matter however late in the day.

    Read: Corruption is a problem in Ghana Austrialian High Commissioner

    The appointing authority, he stated, can appoint some of the numerous highly-qualified senior officers of solid integrity while the pending matter is thoroughly investigated.

    “If the Armed Forces is on the march to ensure that officers comport themselves with the highest of standards, there is no reason or excuse for the other services not to do the same.”

    “Any crooks and/or personnel in positions of authority exposed by institutional investigations as having been corrupted by the power and authority they wield, must be thrown out and treated with the contempt they deserve, before such institutions imbibe their deformed characters.”

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com