Remembering the lessons of the June 4 Uprising
Today marks the 46th anniversary of the June 4, 1979 uprising. June 4, 1979 was a defining period in the socio-political development of Ghana.
Ghana’s political journey had suffered a downward spiral since the early 1970s and the country was left to endure almost a decade of political instability leading to the drastic deterioration of the country’s economy. International finance institutions such as the World Bank referred to Ghana as a failed state.
Essential commodities were hard to come by. Such commodities were hoarded by market women and other unscrupulous middlemen to create an artificial shortage which shot prices up, making it unbearable for the average Ghanaian man and soldier to support his family. Corruption was rife. Hoarders had their protection from ‘Big Men’ in government. Many state enterprises became the merging point for corrupt army officers, corrupt state enterprise management and private businesspeople. The award of import licenses was inundated in corruption with beneficiaries being family, friends and close associates of top government officials who made enormous profits by offloading goods at extortionist prices onto the black market (Kalabule). The fiery events of June 4 were thus, inevitable.
Today, we commemorate 46 years of June 4 and Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings could not have summed it better in his address delivered on June 4, 2018 during the 39th anniversary of the uprising.
“Ladies and gentlemen, June 4 represents a force that cannot be erased. June 4 is not about the semantics of probity, accountability, freedom, justice, truth and integrity. It is about a unified force and power that can move mountains. It is a force that defies negativity and revolves on a fulcrum of ordinary people’s power. It was the energy that led to the eruption of 1979. That energy was like the force of a gas explosion ignited by the gross disrespect and abuse of people to the point where the bottled-up anger exploded in full force…”
As we mark another anniversary it is imperative that we remember the souls of all those who have laid down their lives in pursuit of the ideals that June 4 stood for. May the souls of Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and all the departed compatriots rest in peace.
For those of us living, let us always remember that the survival of the ideals of probity and accountability are dependent on us. We have the opportunity to prove to all that we are dedicated to moving Ghana forward into a new era of confidence and development. Such a pursuit involves transparency, patriotism and dedication to duty wherever we find ourselves. Failure is not an option.
Building on the legacy of JJ Rawlings: JJ Rawlings Foundation Activities
We at the JJ Rawlings Foundation are committed to perpetuating the memory of Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and all he stood for. At the JJ Rawlings Foundation, we are working assiduously to build on the legacy of Jerry John Rawlings by contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.
As part of our socio-economic development initiatives, in 2021, The Foundation established an environmental sustainability project here in Ghana as part of our contribution to global reforestation efforts to mitigate the effects of deforestation and climate change to human life and to biodiversity. Our tree planting project works in partnership with schools, where species-specific forest tree seedlings are selected and planted, with the aim of creating urban forest pockets in communities in Ghana. Our tree-planting project is based on the belief that young people play a vital role in the continuous preservation and protection of our environment and biodiversity.
In contributing to Ghana’s heritage, socio-political history and political discourse, the Foundation held an exhibition featuring photographs taken on June 4 and its aftermath. Accompanying these photographs were local and International news articles that documented the ‘takeover by Rawlings’. In addition to this was a theatre performance recounting the significant events in Ghana leading up to June 4 1979. This was attended by a cross-section of society including civil society, politicians and students.
In recognition of his love for sports and boxing in particular, on June 22, 2022 the Foundation held a boxing roundtable discussion involving major stakeholders from the boxing industry. As part of the event, a JJ Rawlings Foundation documentary on Rawlings’ contribution to boxing in Ghana since his days in the Ghana Army was featured as well.
5th year anniversary of the passing of President JJ Rawlings
2025 marks five years since the leader of the Revolution was called to join the ancestors, and in line with tradition, the JJ Rawlings Foundation aims to commemorate the 5th anniversary with a series of events. The Foundation will duly announce these activities so you can all participate accordingly.
As we mark 46 years since that watershed moment in June 1979, let us remain disciplined, emboldened and committed in pursuit of the beliefs and values that have kept the flag of the AFRC, PNDC and the NDC flying these past four decades and more.
God bless us all.
Source: Newstitbits.com