The Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings, has called on Ghanaians to honour the legacy of former President Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings by upholding the values he championed, stressing that monuments alone cannot preserve his memory.
She made the appeal on Wednesday in Keta during a ceremony to unveil a statue in honour of her late father. According to her, the monument symbolises his lifelong commitment to probity, accountability, humility, service and integrity.
Dr Agyeman Rawlings noted that the true measure of President Rawlings’ legacy lies not in physical memorials but in how citizens conduct their lives. “It is our way of life, more than anything else, that gives meaning to his legacy. If we all live by those ideals, that is how we truly honour his memory,” she said.
She recalled that the former President was often reluctant to be commemorated with monuments, preferring instead to be remembered for the impact of his values on society. “That was why he always insisted that he preferred to live in the hearts of people rather than be inscribed on walls or immortalised in monuments. However, there are many ways to honour the memory of someone who did remarkable things. We are grateful to those who conceived this idea and we support their noble intention,” she added.
The ceremony was attended by the Awoamefia of Anlo, Togbi Sri III; the Awadada, Togbi Agbesi Awusu II; other traditional leaders from Anlo State; political figures; and members of the Rawlings family.
Dr Agyeman Rawlings explained that the family honoured the invitation despite being in mourning following the recent passing of Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, noting the importance of the occasion to both Anlo State and the nation.
Accompanied by her brother, Kimathi Agyeman Rawlings, she expressed the hope that future generations would understand the significance of the monument and help preserve it. She said the statue should inspire reflection on Ghana’s past, present and future, and encourage young people to ask critical questions about the country’s direction.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, highlighted President Rawlings’ commitment to coastal livelihoods, fisheries and environmental justice. He cited the Keta Sea Defence Project as a major intervention that protected lives, homes and cultural heritage from coastal erosion.
“He challenged entrenched privilege and reminded public officials that power without integrity is meaningless. His insistence on discipline and accountability became defining features of his leadership,” Dr Djokoto said. He also described democratic stability as one of President Rawlings’ most enduring legacies, noting that Ghana’s peaceful elections and constitutional governance continue to earn the country respect across Africa.
The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, said the monument was intended to educate younger generations who did not witness President Rawlings’ leadership. He recalled that the former President declined several attempts to honour him during his lifetime. “He wanted to live in the hearts of the people. He refused to have a university he founded named after him, declined the naming of an FPSO after him, and became Head of State with the rank of Flight Lieutenant but refused promotion,” he said.
Mr Asiedu Nketia added that the NDC believed the time was right to honour President Rawlings, noting that in 2025 the party resolved to name its national headquarters Jerry John Rawlings House. He said the monument would help younger Ghanaians appreciate the former leader’s contribution to national development and democratic governance.
Sponsors of the statue, Mawuko Djikunu and Selassie Kekesie, said in a statement read on their behalf that President Rawlings transformed Ghana’s destiny and inspired millions across Africa. They explained that the monument was intended to remind the youth that “greatness is born out of service, courage and integrity” and to celebrate a leader who believed in ordinary people and loved his country.
Among the dignitaries present were the Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu; the Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, Mawutor Agbavitor; the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Dzifa Gomashie; Ambassador Dan Abodakpi; the NPP Volta Regional Chairman, Makafui Woanya; the Member of Parliament for Keta, Kwame Gakpe; the Member of Parliament for Anlo, Richard Kwame Sefa; and the Municipal Chief Executive for Keta, Wisdom Saede.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
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