Rawlings Was Not Ready To Leave Power - Prof Kwamena Ahwoi Asserts

A former appointee of former President Jerry John Rawlings, Professor Kwamena Ahwoi has said the founder of the opposition National Democratic Congress was a listening head of state during the transition to a constitutional rule but he was never ready to let go the mantle.

According to Professor Kwamena Ahwoi, it took a great deal to convince the then head of state to transit the country into a constitutional rule in 1992. Mr Rawlings in a recent interview said he does not believe in a constitutional rule.

But Professor Ahwoi said, “one thing about Rawlings was that he listens but I think because of his background as a military man even if he agrees with you, he will not tell you I agree with you.

Prof Awhoi told Acca-based Citi TV’s FootPrints show hosted by Samuel Atta Mensah that “Rawlings will create the impression that he is sticking to his position but the next day you will see that he comes around to your position, and I think that was good on his part."

He added, “From our dealings with him, he was not keen on letting go of power. It was a great deal of convincing that we were able to transit into a constitutional rule.”

Professor Ahwoi continued “I always give credit to late Justice D F Annan, Kojo Tsikata. I think we should give him [Rawlings] credit for handing over power”, he stressed.

President Rawlings ruled Ghana for 20 years.

He spent 12 years as a military leader and eight years as a civilian leader under the fourth republic.