Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, has called on Ghanaians to honour the legacy of former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings by living out the ideals he stood for, rather than merely celebrating him through monuments.
Speaking on Wednesday at a ceremony in Keta to unveil a statue in honour of her late father, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the monument should serve as a constant reminder of Rawlings’ values of probity, accountability, humility, dedication to country, service and integrity.
According to her, it is people’s daily conduct, more than physical memorials, that ultimately gives meaning to Rawlings’ legacy. “If we can all live by those ideals, that is how we honour his memory,” she said.
She noted that Rawlings often expressed a preference to be remembered in the hearts of people rather than through inscriptions, walls or monuments. However, she acknowledged that there are many ways to honour individuals who made profound contributions to national life and commended the organisers and sponsors for their initiative.
The ceremony was attended by prominent traditional leaders of Anlo, including the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbi Sri III, Awadada Togbi Agbesi Awusu II, as well as political figures and party officials.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings disclosed that the Anlo State had planned a ceremony to honour Rawlings to mark the fifth anniversary of his passing, but the event was put on hold following the death of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. She said that although the family remains in mourning, they accepted the invitation to unveil the statue because of its significance not only to the family but also to the people of Anlo and Ghana at large.
She expressed the hope that future generations would appreciate the values represented by the monument and take responsibility for preserving it, so it can inspire questions about Ghana’s past, present and aspirations as a people.
Touching on Rawlings’ legacy, Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, highlighted the former president’s commitment to coastal livelihoods, fisheries and environmental justice. He recalled Rawlings’ role in championing the Keta Sea Defence Project, which protected communities, homes and heritage from coastal erosion.
Dr Djokoto said Rawlings believed no Ghanaian should be marginalised because of geography and consistently challenged entrenched privilege, reminding public officials that power without integrity was meaningless. His emphasis on discipline and accountability, he added, became hallmarks of his leadership.
He further noted that Rawlings’ enduring legacy lay in helping to lay the foundations for Ghana’s democratic stability. By subjecting himself to multiparty elections in 1992 and peacefully handing over power after serving two terms, Rawlings helped earn Ghana respect across Africa.
Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, said nations that fail to honour their leaders risk eroding their sense of collective purpose. He recalled Rawlings’ refusal, while alive, to have monuments, institutions or major national assets named after him, including a university he founded and an FPSO.
According to Mr Asiedu Nketia, the monument is intended to educate younger generations who did not witness Rawlings’ leadership firsthand, enabling them to relate to his contributions to national development. He reiterated the NDC’s 2025 resolution to name its national headquarters the Jerry John Rawlings House.
Sponsors of the statue, Mawuko Djikunu and Selassie Kekesie, said Rawlings transformed Ghana’s destiny and inspired millions across Africa, making it important to erect a monument that future generations can look to as a symbol of patriotism, courage and service.
Several dignitaries, including Regional Minister James Gunu, Tourism Minister Dzifa Gomashie and other political and traditional leaders, were present at the ceremony.