By Ashiadey Dotse
A life-size statue of the late former President, Flt. Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, has been unveiled in his memory at his hometown, Keta-Dzelukope, in the Volta Region.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, bringing together leading members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), family members, and supporters of the late statesman.
Among those present were the Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the son of the former president, Kimathi Rawlings, and other members of the Rawlings family.
Jerry John Rawlings passed away on November 12, 2020, after a short illness. He was 73 years old.
Rawlings first came to power in 1979 as a Flight Lieutenant in the Ghana Air Force following a military coup. From 1981 to 1993, he ruled Ghana as head of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC). In 1992, he resigned from the military, formed the National Democratic Congress, and won the presidential election, becoming the first President of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
He served two terms as a democratically elected president from 1993 to 2001, making him the longest-serving leader in Ghana’s history, with a total of 19 years in power.
During his leadership, Rawlings is credited with guiding Ghana through economic recovery, restoring national pride, and strengthening multi-party democracy. He also played key roles in regional peace efforts and later served as the African Union envoy to Somalia.
The statue stands as a symbol of his legacy and contribution to Ghana’s political history, especially to the people of Keta-Dzelukope, where he was born.
