The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has called on Ghanaians to adopt the values espoused by the late former President Jerry John Rawlings,founder of the NDC as a compass for national conduct and development.
Speaking at a well-attended ceremony in Accra on Sunday to mark what would have been President Rawlings’ 78th birthday, Mr. Nketia emphasized the importance of upholding principles such as probity and accountability, punctuality, positive defiance, democratic ideals, and routine lifestyle audits.
A statement issued by the Office of the late President Rawlings and copied to the Ghana News Agency highlighted the significance of the occasion, which Mr. Nketia described as an opportunity not only to celebrate a great leader but also to redefine national values.
“There is no country that has developed without a clear set of national values,” Mr. Nketia said. “Today, as members of the NDC, we can point to a legacy. But if you ask what Ghana as a nation believes in our aspirations, our guiding principles, our code of conduct we are yet to define them.”
He further proposed that Ghana should consider taking a bold step by initiating a national debate possibly in Parliament on the definition of national values. According to him, such a move would help citizens evaluate both leadership and civic behavior against a consistent moral and ethical standard.
Referencing Rawlings’ legacy, Mr Nketia added, “probity and accountability go beyond financial matters. If you are entrusted with any position of authority, remember that a day will come when you must account for your stewardship not just in terms of money, but in how you exercised your power and served the people.”
The late President’s son, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, who attended the event with his sister, Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, reflected on their father’s enduring commitment to inclusive governance. He noted that Rawlings’ passion for citizen participation led to the establishment of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, a cornerstone of the 1992 Constitution.
“As we commemorate his birthday, we are reminded of his vision for a better Ghana, one where all citizens have a meaningful voice in shaping their future,” Kimathi stated.
NDC General Secretary, Mr. Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, also paid tribute to the former President, describing him as a man born with a purpose. “While he was not perfect—like all of us—those who knew him closely could attest to his deep love for people, for Ghana, and for humanity,” he said.
Mr. Kwetey recalled Rawlings’ frequent references to the “sovereignty of the human spirit,” which he interpreted as a reflection of divine energy within all human beings.
Other speakers at the event included Nana Ato Dadzie, a former Chief of Staff, and Naval Captain Asaasie Gyimah. Among the dignitaries present were Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders; Chief Bawumia, also of the Council of Elders; Dr. Christine Amoako-Nuamah; and Madam Akua Sena Dansua.
Story By: Michael Abayatey
