Let Rawlings’ legacy inspire national service – Togbe Afede tells Ghanaians

Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, has urged Ghanaians to honour former President Jerry John Rawlings by upholding the principles of honesty, accountability, justice and patriotism that defined his public life.

Speaking at a lecture and exhibition in Accra on Monday to mark what would have been Rawlings’ 79th birthday, Togbe Afede said the late President’s values remained relevant to Ghana’s efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive society.

The Agbogbomefia said Rawlings’ commitment to probity, social justice, national unity and equitable opportunities had left a lasting imprint on Ghana’s democratic development and governance framework.

“The best tribute we can pay to President Rawlings, the best honour we can do to him, is to hold firmly on to the principles that he stood for,” he said.

Togbe Afede listed the consolidation of the Fourth Republic, the establishment of district assemblies and investments in infrastructure, education, agriculture, rural electrification and local governance among the former President’s enduring contributions to national development.

Mr Kofi Totobi Quakye, a former Minister of Information, said Rawlings’ legacy could not be preserved through symbolism alone but must be reflected in the conduct and values of those who claimed to uphold his political tradition.

“The life of Jerry Rawlings cannot be reduced to a few remarks. The revolution he came to embody cannot be reduced to nostalgia, and the legacy he left behind cannot be honoured merely through praise singing. It must be examined, it must be protected, above all, it must be lived,” he said.

Mr Totobi Quakye urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to remain faithful to its founding ideals of probity, accountability and service, warning that perceptions of little distinction between the country’s two major political parties could weaken public confidence in democratic governance.

Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, National Chairman of the NDC, commended Rawlings for promoting national cohesion and called for continued efforts to preserve unity and a shared sense of purpose among citizens.

Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, a former Minister for Local Government, said Rawlings’ legacy should serve as a call for sustained reforms to address inequality, strengthen accountability and reinforce public institutions.

The event was attended by senior government officials and leading members of the NDC, including Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.

Former President Rawlings died on November 12, 2020.

GNA