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Flt Lt J. J. Rawlings
Introduction
About
Flt Lt JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS
Jerry John Rawlings (1947-2020) was a prominent Ghanaian military officer and politician who played a significant role in the country's history. Born in Accra, Ghana, Rawlings joined the Ghanaian Air Force and rose through the ranks to become a flight lieutenant.
Rawlings first gained national attention in 1979 when he led a military coup that overthrew the government, citing widespread corruption and economic mismanagement. However, he handed power back to civilian rule after just a few months, marking the beginning of a transition towards democracy in Ghana.
In 1981, Rawlings staged a second coup, assuming control of the country. This time, he formed the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC), a military junta that ruled Ghana for the next 11 years. During his tenure, Rawlings implemented a series of economic and political reforms aimed at combating corruption, improving governance, and promoting social justice. His government pursued policies focused on poverty reduction, agricultural development, and infrastructure improvement.
Jerry John Rawlings, commonly known as J. J. Rawlings, was born on June 22, 1947, in Accra, Gold Coast (now Ghana). He was a Ghanaian military officer and politician who played a significant role in the country's history.Rawlings first rose to prominence through his involvement in a series of military coups. In 1979, he led the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) to overthrow the military government of General Fred Akuffo. Rawlings then handed over power to a civilian government but returned to stage another coup in December 1981, establishing the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) and assuming the role of head of state.During his tenure, Rawlings implemented various economic and political reforms aimed at addressing corruption and improving the living conditions of Ghanaians. He pursued an ideology of social justice and Pan-Africanism, emphasizing the need for self-reliance and development in Africa. Rawlings promoted agricultural initiatives, prioritized education and healthcare, and initiated infrastructural projects to stimulate economic growth.Rawlings also championed democratic governance in Ghana. Under his leadership, a new constitution was introduced in 1992, paving the way for multiparty elections. Rawlings won the presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 and completed his maximum constitutional term in 2001.After leaving office, Rawlings remained active in Ghanaian politics and continued to advocate for social and economic development in Africa. He played a role as a statesman and was involved in regional peace and mediation efforts. Rawlings maintained a strong presence in Ghanaian public life and remained influential in political discussions.J. J. Rawlings' leadership and legacy in Ghana are characterized by his commitment to social justice, anti-corruption efforts, and democratic governance. He left an indelible mark on the country's political landscape and played a vital role in shaping Ghana's transition from military rule to democratic governance. His contributions and influence continue to resonate in Ghana and beyond. Rawlings passed away on November 12, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and dedication to Ghana's progress.Date of Birth22 June 1947CountryGhanaPlace of BirthAccra, Gold Coast (now Ghana)J. J. Rawlings
Link to Rawlings other activities
TIME OF BIRTH: 8:09 am
PLACE OF BIRTH: Accra, Ghana
LONG: 0 W 2
LAT: 6 N 0
TIME ZONE: GMT 0
ASCENDANT: 01 Leo 50
SUN SIGN: 0 Cancer 04
MOON SIGN: 18 Leo
DATE OF BIRTH: 22nd June 1947
Flt Lt JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS
AND THE DARK DAYS OF GHANA (1979)
MAY 15TH UPRISING
Jerry John Rawlings led an unsuccessful coup attempt against the ruling military government on May 15, 1979, just five weeks before scheduled democratic elections were due to take place. His motive stemmed from the government's perceived corruption, abuse of power and disregard for the welfare of ordinary civilians. Rawlings and six other soldiers staged a coup against the government of General Fred Akuffo, but failed and were arrested by the military. He was publicly sentenced to death in a General Court Martial and imprisoned, although his statements on the social injustices that motivated his actions won him civilian sympathy.
JUNE 4TH REVOLUTION (Bloody coup d’état)
While awaiting execution, Rawlings was sprung from custody on 4 June 1979 by a group of military officers.Claiming that the government was corrupt beyond redemption and that new leadership was required for Ghana's development, he led the group in a coup to oust the Akuffo Government and the Supreme Military Council.
Shortly afterward, Rawlings established and became the Chairman of a 15-member Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), primarily composed of junior officers.
He and the AFRC ruled for 112 days and arranged the execution by firing squad of eight military officers, including Generals Kotei, Joy Amedume, Roger Felli, and Utuka, as well as the three former Ghanaian heads of state; Acheampong, Akuffo, and Akwasi Afrifa.
Rawlings later implemented a much wider "house-cleaning exercise" involving the killings and abduction of over 300 Ghanaians.
Elections were held on time shortly after the coup. On 24 September 1979, power was peacefully handed over by Rawlings to President Hilla Limann, whose People's National Party (PNP) had the support of Nkrumah's followers.
J J RAWLINGS –Another coup d’état (31st December 1981)
After handing power over to a civilian government, he took back control of the country as the chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) on December 31, 1981, ousting President Hilla Limann in a coup d'état, claiming that civilian rule was weak and the country's economy was deteriorating.
Rawlings was accused of the murder of the Supreme Court justices who were branded as Enemies of Revolution by the PNDC of which he was the chair; Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Frederick Sarkodie, and Kwadjo Agyei Agyepong and one military officer Major Sam Acquah. However, unlike the 1979 executions, these persons were abducted and killed in secret and it is unclear who was behind their murders, though Joachim Amartey Kwei and four others were convicted of murdering the Justices and Acquah, and were executed in 1982.
In 1992, Rawlings resigned from the military, founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and became the first President of the Fourth Republic. He was re-elected in 1996 for four more years.