The 31st December Revolution Commemoration was being held at the Ashaiman Mandela Park Today.
On December 31, 1981, Rawlings, supported by lower-ranking soldiers, most of whom served in the Reconnaissance Regiment, seized power to cure what they said were deep-seated corruption and harsh economic situation.
Rawlings then formed the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) to rule the country, dissolved parliament, and banned all political parties.
On January 21, 1982, Rawlings appointed a sixteen-member civilian government with a cabinet of secretaries and told them to “serve the people sacrificially.”
The PNDC also assumed control of the Ministry of Defence. The Rawlings regime further consolidated its power by promulgating PNDC Law 42, which suspended the constitution and gave the government wide powers over Ghanaian citizens.
This year’s event, the 37th anniversary, is being held under the theme, “Deepening the Core Principles of Good Leadership for Political Governance”.
The Member of Parliament, (MP) for ashaiman, Ernest Norgbe, gave the welcome address.
Former President Jerry John Rawlings, once again cautioned against corruption and indiscipline in the Ghanaian society, saying they constitute“a plague that we should take very seriously if we are to achieve true development in our country.
“If we do not uproot the main stems of corruption in this country, soon we will also contribute to the consolidation of the evil of corruption. We would have squandered another God-given opportunity to free this country and restore its soul and our humanity”, he said to enthusiastic cheers by hundreds of celebrants.
Rawlings wondered why multi-party democracy appears not to work for Africans and instead bring out the worst in us, saying the principles underpinning its success in the Western world are very much a part of black African culture.
“If the practice of multi-party democracy can work for Western powers, is there any reason why it shouldn’t work for us? Could it be because of the influence and power that vices like untruthfulness, injustice and the general political immorality wields over the virtue of principles?” Rawlings quipped, and said “If the same practice of multi-party democracy can bring the best or close to the best out of them, why does it bring the worst out of us? And once again is it because we have elevated wrongdoing to an acceptable level where there is no outcry of condemnation and as a consequence we wholeheartedly embrace the corruption we are steadily breeding?”
Rawlings who was addressing a durbar of chiefs, cadres, National Democratic Congress leaders and followers and presidential aspirants, said the simple answer to those questions is “our refusal to liberate truth and justice. To accord truth and justice the place of respect in our lives. If injustice, lying, stealing and robbery can comfortably be used in our everyday lives by both the rulers and the ruled then we seem unaware of the serious consequences.
Let us no allow material and monetary inducements to sway our judgement. the power belongs to us. JJR @ 31st December Anniversary
— Jerry John Rawlings (@officeofJJR) December 31, 2018
It is imperative that members own and actively participate in the activities of the party by contributing their widow’s mite at all levels. In conscientizing members of their obligations, ease of payment, proper records and accountability should be embraced.
— Jerry John Rawlings (@officeofJJR) December 31, 2018
Within our own political family and of course on a national scale, liberating truth and justice is almost alien to us. We may speak against it…but many of us will go back and further perpetuate the negatives in their quest for political power and control.
— Jerry John Rawlings (@officeofJJR) December 31, 2018
The injustice, the corruption, the lying and the plain thievery that we experience and witness daily is only an expression of who we have become.
— Jerry John Rawlings (@officeofJJR) December 31, 2018
If we do not uproot the main stems of corruption in this country, soon we will also contribute to the consolidation of the evil of corruption. We would have squandered another God-given opportunity to free this country and restore its soul and our humanity.
— Jerry John Rawlings (@officeofJJR) December 31, 2018
The event which was hosted by Immediate Past, Deputy General Secretary Koku Anyidoho and a strong supporter of NDC, Dela Edem also saw the presence of Ghanaian professional boxer, Isaac Dogboe.
A 17 year old Bernice Amedorwu led the parade at Ashaiman Mandela park to mark anniversary.
The parade was made up of men and women. A wreaths were laid on behalf of Ghana,
a former Minister for Defence and MP for Nandom, Dr. Benjamin Bewa-Nyog Kunbuor laid the first wreath on behalf of Ghana.
Comrade Briamah Issaka laid the second wreath on behalf of the security services.
Comrade Jonathan Abaya laid the 3rd wreath on behalf of the cadre corps.
Nii Adjei laid the fourth wreath on behalf of the traditional leaders.
Nicholas Mensah laid the fifth wreath on behalf of farmers and fishermen.
Ernest Nogbe laid the sixth wreath on behalf of the youth of Ghana.
Aspirants; Goosie Tandoh, Alban Kingsford Sumani Bagbin, Professor, Joshua Alabi, Spio Garbrah, Nurudeen took turns to address the gathering.
Writing on his FaceBook Timeline, Former President John Dramani Mahama said the 31st December marks a pivotal period in the national life of Ghanaians.
He commended former President Jerry John Rawlings, cadres of the revolution, members of the NDC and all Ghanaians for their collective sacrifices made towards enduring democracy.
Below is his statement:
31st December marks a pivotal period in our national life.
It is a day, which reminds Ghanaians of the period in our history, which eventually birthed the Fourth Republican Democracy.
On this day, I commend President Jerry John Rawlings, cadres of the revolution, members of the NDC and all Ghanaians for our collective sacrifices made towards our enduring democracy.
Notwithstanding the fact that Ghana’s journey towards sustainable democracy witnessed regrettable and turbulent occurrences, the principles of probity, transparency and accountability were established and have endured almost four decades after.
Sadly, the recent upsurge in incidences of corruption and nepotism of historic proportions under the current administration, are a clear deviation from the revolutionary values for which people laid down their lives.
Consistent with the spirit of the 37th Anniversary of the 31st December Revolution, I urge President Akufo-Addo to give meaning to his pledge to fight corruption and nepotism by investigating and prosecuting the many allegations made against his appointees.
I wish all comrades a reflective and solemn anniversary.
