Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for the Klottey-Korle constituency, has urged Ghanaians to emulate the ideals of her late father, former President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, during a ceremony in Keta on Wednesday to unveil a statue in his honour. She described the statue as a symbol of the values he stood for, including probity, accountability, dedication to country, humility, service, and integrity.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, the first daughter of President Rawlings, emphasized that it is how Ghanaians live their lives that will truly give meaning to his legacy.
“Which was why he always insisted that he preferred to be in the hearts of people rather than inscribed on walls or in the form of monuments. But there are many ways to honour the memory of someone who has done amazing things. We thank those who put together this concept to honour his memory. We also support their noble intention,” she stated.
The ceremony was attended by leading traditional leaders of Anlo, including the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbi Sri III, and Awadada, Togbi Agbesi Awusu II. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings noted that while the family is still in mourning following the passing of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, they accepted the invitation to attend the event, recognizing its significance for both the people of Anlo and the nation.
Accompanied by her brother, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, she prayed that future generations would appreciate the value of the monument and continue to preserve it, inspiring questions about Ghana’s past, present, and future.
DEMOCRATIC STABILITY
Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, speaking on ‘The Man Jerry Rawlings,’ recalled the former President’s contributions to coastal livelihoods, fisheries, and environmental justice. He highlighted the Keta Sea Defence Project, which safeguarded lives, homes, and heritage from the Atlantic Ocean, and emphasized Rawlings’ belief that no Ghanaian should be forgotten because of geography.
“He challenged entrenched privilege and reminded public officials that power without integrity is meaningless. His insistence on discipline and accountability became a defining feature of his leadership,” Dr. Djokoto stated.
He further noted that a major legacy of President Rawlings was the establishment of democratic stability in Ghana, demonstrated by his peaceful transfer of power after two terms following the 1992 elections.
MONUMENT TO HIGHLIGHT HIS LIFE
The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, said a nation that does not honour its leaders is not worth dying for. He reiterated that President Rawlings, while alive, preferred to live in the hearts of people rather than be memorialized in monuments or effigies.
“The monument is to highlight his life to those who did not live through his work and appreciate his contribution to national development so they can relate to his legacy. We thought that even though he rejected such monuments when he was alive, this is the appropriate time to honour him,” Mr. Nketia stated. He also restated the party’s 2025 resolution to name its national headquarters Jerry John Rawlings House.
The sponsors of the statue, Mawuko Djikunu and Selassie Kekesie, in an address read on their behalf, said President Rawlings transformed Ghana’s destiny and inspired millions across Africa. They explained that the monument was built to allow future generations to appreciate what true patriotism and service mean, reminding the youth that greatness is borne from service, courage, and integrity.
Dignitaries present included the Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu; Regional Chairman, Mawutor Agbavitor; MP for Ketu South and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie; Ambassador Dan Abodakpi; NPP Regional Chairman, Makafui Woanya; MP for Keta, Kwame Gakpe; MP for Anlo, Richard Kwame Sefa; MCE for Keta, Wisdom Saede; and Emmanuel Gemegah, among others.