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'{{Short description|Leader of Ghana between 1979 and 2001}} {{Use Ghanaian English|date=January 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Jerry Rawlings | image = Fmr Prez. Rawlings (cropped).jpg | caption = Rawlings in 2019 | order = [[President of Ghana]] | term_start = 7 January 1993 | term_end = 7 January 2001 | vicepresident = {{ubl|[[Kow Nkensen Arkaah]]|[[John Atta Mills]]}} | predecessor = ''Himself''<BR>(as Chairman of the PNDC) | successor = [[John Kufuor]] | order2 = [[Head of state of Ghana|Chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council]] | term_start2 = 31 December 1981 | term_end2 = 7 January 1993 | predecessor2 = [[Hilla Limann]] (as President) | successor2 = ''Himself'' (as President) | order3 = [[Head of state of Ghana|Chairman of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council]] | term_start3 = 4 June 1979 | term_end3 = 24 September 1979 | vicepresident3 = Gamesu Pascal [Zikpitor] Sedzro | predecessor3 = [[Fred Akuffo]] | successor3 = [[Hilla Limann]] (as President) | birth_name = Jerry Rawlings John | birth_date = {{birth date|1947|6|22|df=y}} | birth_place = [[Accra]], [[Gold Coast (British colony)|Gold Coast]] (now Ghana) | death_date = {{nowrap|{{death date and age|2020|11|12|1947|6|22|df=y}}}} | death_place = Accra, Ghana | resting_place = [[Burma Camp]] | spouse = {{marriage|[[Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings|Nana Konadu Agyeman]]{{wbr}}|1977}} | children = 4, including [[Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings]] | constituency = | party = [[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|National Democratic Congress]] (after 1992) | profession = [[Fighter pilot]] | signature = | footnotes = <!--Military service--> | nickname = | allegiance = <!-- Ghana --> | branch = [[Ghana Air Force]] | serviceyears = 1968–1992 | rank = [[Flight lieutenant]] | unit = | commands = | battles = | awards = [[University for Development Studies|UDS Honorary Award]] }} '''Jerry John Rawlings''' (22 June 1947{{spnd}}12 November 2020)<ref name="Encyclopedia Britannica 2020">{{cite web | title=Jerry J. Rawlings – Biography & Facts | website=Encyclopedia Britannica | date=12 November 2020 | url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jerry-J-Rawlings | access-date=8 January 2021}}</ref> also known by the nickname '''Junior Jesus''',<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2024 |title=FLASHBACK: How JJ Rawlings got his infamous 'Junior Jesus' nickname |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/FLASHBACK-How-JJ-Rawlings-got-his-infamous-Junior-Jesus-nickname-1929288 |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Ghana Web}}</ref> was a Ghanaian military officer, aviator and politician who led the country for a brief period in 1979, and then from 1981 to 2001. He led a [[military junta]] until 1992, and then served two terms as the democratically elected [[president of Ghana]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ghana : History |url=http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/ghana/history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507232832/http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/ghana/history |archive-date=7 May 2019 |access-date=22 May 2019 |website=thecommonwealth}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 June 2020 |title=Rawlings hails frontline health workers |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/national/rawlings-hails-frontline-health-workers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605200655/https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/national/rawlings-hails-frontline-health-workers/ |archive-date=5 June 2020 |access-date=5 June 2020 |website=MyJoyOnline. |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Jerry J. Rawlings {{!}} head of state, Ghana|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jerry-J-Rawlings|access-date=3 August 2020|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> Rawlings came to power in Ghana as a [[flight lieutenant]] of the [[Ghana Air Force]] following [[1979 Ghanaian coup d'état|a coup d'état]] in 1979. Prior to that, he led an unsuccessful coup attempt against the ruling military government on Tuesday, 15 May 1979, just five weeks before scheduled democratic elections were due to take place. After handing power over to a civilian government, he overthrew the democraticlly elected Government through a military coup on Thursday, 31 December 1981 as the chairman of the [[Provisional National Defence Council]] (PNDC). In 1992, Rawlings resigned from the military, founded the [[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|National Democratic Congress]] (NDC), and became the first president of the Fourth Republic. He was re-elected in 1996 for four more years.<ref name="Ghanaweb">{{cite web|url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/people/person.php?ID=166 |title=Flt.-Lt. (Rtd) Jerry John Rawlings Profile |access-date=3 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214115152/http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/people/person.php?ID=166 |archive-date=14 February 2013 }}</ref><ref name="MyGHPage">{{cite web|url=https://www.myghpage.com/jerry-john-rawlings/ |title=Jerry John Rawlings Profile – MyGHPage |access-date=5 December 2020 }}</ref> After two terms in office, the limit according to the [[Constitution of Ghana|Ghanaian Constitution]], Rawlings endorsed his vice-president [[John Atta Mills]] as a presidential candidate in 2000. Rawlings served as the [[African Union]] envoy to [[Somalia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 January 2011 |title=AU Chairperson receives High Representative for Somalia, Jerry John Rawlings |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/au-chairperson-receives-high-representative-for-somalia-jerry-john-rawlings/ |access-date=26 November 2020 |website=MyJoyOnline. |language=en-US}}</ref> He died in 2020 at age 73 and was accorded a [[state funeral]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 January 2021|title=Ghana buries former president Jerry Rawlings with honors|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ghana-buries-former-president-jerry-rawlings-with-honors-ghana-president-leader-coups-country-b1793674.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220608/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ghana-buries-former-president-jerry-rawlings-with-honors-ghana-president-leader-coups-country-b1793674.html |archive-date=8 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=28 January 2021|website=The Independent|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Accra|first=Staff and agencies in|date=12 November 2020|title=Ghana's former leader Jerry Rawlings dies at 73|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/12/ghana-former-leader-jerry-rawlings-dies-at-73|access-date=20 November 2020|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref> == Background == Rawlings was born as Jerry Rawlings John on Sunday, 22 June 1947 in [[Accra]], Ghana, to Victoria Agbotui, an [[Anlo Ewe]] from [[Dzelukope]], [[Keta]], and James Ramsey John, a British chemist from [[Castle Douglas]] in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Rawlings attended [[Achimota School]] and a military academy at Teshie.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2222">{{Cite journal|last=Nugent|first=Paul|date=2009|journal=Transactions of the Historical Society of Ghana|issue=12|pages=35–56|jstor=41406753|title=Nkrumah and Rawlings: Political Lives in Parallel?}}</ref> Rawlings was married to [[Nana Konadu Agyeman]], whom he met while at [[Achimota College]]. They had three daughters: [[Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings|Zanetor Rawlings]], Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, Amina Rawlings; and one son, Kimathi Rawlings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://yen.com.gh/104923-jj-rawlings-children-wife.html|title=Jj Rawlings' Family|last=Gracia|first=Zindzy|date=1 February 2018|website=Yen.com.gh – Ghana news.|language=en|access-date=2 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802234547/https://yen.com.gh/104923-jj-rawlings-children-wife.html|archive-date=2 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=All my CHILDREN are POLITICIANS – Konadu RAWLINGS makes shocking disclosure|url=https://www.mynewsgh.com/all-my-children-are-politicians-konadu-rawlings-makes-shocking-disclosure/|last=MyNewsGH|date=28 November 2018|website=MyNewsGh|language=en-US|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref> [[Junior Agogo]] was the nephew of Rawlings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2022 |title=Mahama's son, Asiedu Nketia's nephew: Four Ghanaian footballers who are related to politicians |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Mahama-s-son-Asiedu-Nketia-s-nephew-Four-Ghanaian-footballers-who-are-related-to-politicians-1545800 |access-date=25 May 2022 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en}}</ref> === Education and military career === Rawlings finished his secondary education at [[Achimota College]] in 1967.<ref name=":0222">{{Cite journal|last=Morrison|first=Minion K. C.|author-link=Minion K. C. Morrison|date=2004|title=Political Parties in Ghana through Four Republics: A Path to Democratic Consolidation|journal=Comparative Politics|volume=36|issue=4|pages=421–442|doi=10.2307/4150169|jstor=4150169}}</ref> He joined the [[Ghana Air Force]] shortly afterwards; on his application, the military switched his surname John and his middle name Rawlings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rawlings recounts how the military changed his 'real surname' |url=https://www.adomonline.com/rawlings-recounts-how-the-military-changed-his-real-surname/ |website=Adom Online |access-date=8 September 2020 |date=13 July 2020}}</ref> In March 1968, he was posted to [[Takoradi]], in Ghana's [[Western Region of Ghana|Western Region]], to continue his studies. He graduated in January 1969, and was commissioned as a [[pilot officer]], winning the coveted "Speed Bird Trophy" as the best cadet in flying the [[Su-7]] ground attack supersonic jet aircraft as he was skilled in aerobatics. He earned the rank of [[flight lieutenant]] in April 1978. During his service with the [[Ghana Air Force]], Rawlings perceived a deterioration in discipline and morale due to corruption in the [[Supreme Military Council (Ghana)|Supreme Military Council]] (SMC). As promotion brought him into contact with the privileged classes and their social values, his view of the injustices in society hardened. He was thus regarded with some unease by the SMC. After the 1979 coup, he involved himself with the student community of the [[University of Ghana]], where he developed a more leftist ideology through reading and discussion of social and political ideas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jjrawlings.info/about.html|title=Biography of the Former President of the Republic of Ghana, FLT Lt Jerry John Rawlings|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227102214/http://www.jjrawlings.info/about.html|archive-date=27 December 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=3 January 2013}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=January 2021}} == 1979 coup and purges == {{further|4 June revolution in Ghana}} Rawlings grew discontented with [[Ignatius Kutu Acheampong]]'s government, which had come to power through a coup in January 1972.<ref name=":2222"/> Acheampong was accused not only of corruption, but also of maintaining Ghana's dependency on pre-colonial powers, in a situation which led to economic decline and impoverishment.<ref name=":2222"/> Rawlings was part of the Free Africa Movement, an underground movement of military officers who wanted to unify Africa through a series of coups. On Tuesday, 15 May 1979, five weeks prior to civilian elections, Rawlings and six other soldiers staged a coup against the government of General [[Fred Akuffo]], but failed and were arrested by [[Ghana Armed Forces|the military]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://www.eaumf.org/ejm-blog/2018/5/15/may-15-1979-flt-lt-jerry-rawlings-arrested-after-failed-military-uprising|title=May 15, 1979: Flt. Lt. Jerry Rawlings arrested after failed military uprising|work=Edward A. Ulzen Memorial Foundation|access-date=24 November 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125204519/https://www.eaumf.org/ejm-blog/2018/5/15/may-15-1979-flt-lt-jerry-rawlings-arrested-after-failed-military-uprising|archive-date=25 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Rawlings 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.<ref name=":5" /> While awaiting execution, Rawlings was sprung from custody on Monday, 4 June 1979 by a group of soldiers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pike |first=John |title=Ghana – Rawlings Coup |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/ghana-coup.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129012749/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/ghana-coup.htm |archive-date=29 November 2018 |access-date=28 November 2018 |website=globalsecurity.}}</ref> 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 Supreme Military Council.<ref name=":0222"/> Shortly afterwards, Rawlings established and became the Chairman of a 15-member [[Armed Forces Revolutionary Council, Ghana|Armed Forces Revolutionary Council]] (AFRC), primarily composed of junior officers.<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal|last=Adedeji|first=John|date=Summer 2001|title=The Legacy of J.J. Rawlings in Ghanaian Politics 1979–2000|url=http://asq.africa.ufl.edu/files/Adedeji-Vol-5-Issue-2.pdf|journal=African Studies Quarterly|volume=5|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215005718/http://asq.africa.ufl.edu/files/Adedeji-Vol-5-Issue-2.pdf|archive-date=15 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0222"/> 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]].<ref name=":2222"/><ref name=":0" /> These executions were dramatic events in the [[Ghana/History|history of Ghana]], which had previously suffered few instances of political violence. 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 Monday, 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.<ref name=":6" /> Two years later, on 31 December 1981 Rawlings ousted President Hilla Limann in a coup d'état, claiming that civilian rule was weak and the country's economy was deteriorating. The killings of the Supreme Court justices ([[Cecilia Koranteng-Addow]], Frederick Sarkodie, and Kwadjo Agyei Agyepong), military officers Major Sam Acquah and Major Dasana Nantogmah also occurred during the second military rule of Rawlings. 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 Quaye|Joachim Amartey Kwei]] and four others were convicted of murdering the Justices and Acquah, and were executed in 1982.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6bs46WXI_ZUC&q=jj+rawlings+executions+of+three+supreme+court+justices&pg=PA128|title=Truth Commission and Courts: The Tension Between Criminal Justice and the Search for Truth|first1=William A.|last1=Schabas|first2=Shane|last2=Darcy|publisher=Springer|page=128|isbn=9781402032233|date=18 February 2005|access-date=22 March 2020}}</ref> == 1981 coup and reforms == {{further|1981 Ghanaian coup d'état}} Believing the Limann regime to be unable to resolve Ghana's neocolonial economic dependency, Rawlings led a second coup against Limann and indicted the entire political class on 31 December 1981.<ref name=":122">{{Cite journal|last=Abdulai|first=David|date=1992|title=Rawlings "Wins" Ghana's Presidential Elections: Establishing a New Constitutional Order|journal=Africa Today|volume=39|issue=4|pages=66–71|jstor=4186868}}</ref> In place of Limann's [[People's National Party (Ghana)|People's National Party]], Rawlings established the [[Provisional National Defence Council]] (PNDC) military junta as the official government.<ref name=":122"/> Rawlings hosted state visits from "revolutionaries" from other countries, including [[Dési Bouterse]] ([[Suriname]]),<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=12 November 2020|title=Couppleger, oud-president van Ghana en vriend van Desi Bouterse, Jerry Rawlings, overleden (73)|url=https://www.dbsuriname.com/2020/11/12/couppleger-oud-president-van-ghana-en-vriend-van-desi-bouterse-jerry-rawlings-overleden-73/|access-date=13 November 2020|website=Dagblad Suriname|language=nl}}</ref> [[Daniel Ortega]] ([[Nicaragua]]), and [[Sam Nujoma]] ([[Namibia]]).<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Novicki|first=Margaret A.|date=1986|title=Flt.-Lt. Jerry Rawlings: Chairman, Provisional National Defence Council, Ghana|url=https://www.aaionline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/04_Nov_Dec1986_Friends_Enmities.pdf|journal=Africa Report|publisher=African-American Institute|volume=31|issue=6|pages=4–8|issn=0001-9836}}</ref> More famously, Rawlings reversed Limann's boycott of [[History of Libya under Muammar Gaddafi|Gaddafi's Libya]], allowing the [[Ghana national football team|Black Stars]] to compete in the [[1982 African Cup of Nations]]. The team won the AFCON trophy for the fourth time, their last win as of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 November 2020|title=How the Late JJ Rawlings won Ghana last AFCON title|url=https://www.happyghana.com/how-rawlings-won-ghanas-last-afcon-title/|access-date=13 November 2020|website=Happy Ghana|language=en-US}}</ref> Although the [[PNDC]] claimed to be representative of the people, it lacked experience in the creation and implementation of clear economic policies.<ref name=":2222"/> Rawlings, like many of his predecessors, attributed current economic and social problems to the "trade malpractices and other anti-social activities" of a few businesspeople.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web|url=https://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft2199n7n7&chunk.id=d0e1156&toc.id=d0e1156&brand=ucpress|title=The Politics of Reform in Ghana, 1982–1991|website=publishing.cdlib.org|publisher=University of California Press|language=en|access-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125204107/https://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft2199n7n7&chunk.id=d0e1156&toc.id=d0e1156&brand=ucpress|archive-date=25 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 1982, the PNDC announced its four-year economic program of establishing a state monopoly on export-import trade with the goal of eliminating corruption surrounding import licences and shift trade away from dependency on Western markets.<ref name=":03" /> Unrealistic [[price controls]] were imposed on the market and enforced through coercive acts, especially against businesspeople.<ref name=":2222"/> This resolve to employ state control over the economy is best demonstrated by the destruction of the [[Makola Market|Makola No.1 Market]].<ref name=":03" /> The PNDC established Workers' Defence Committees (WDCs) and People's Defence Committees (PDCs) to mobilize the population to support radical changes to the economy.<ref name=":03" /> Price controls on the sale of food were beneficial to urban workers, but placed undue burden on 70% of the rural population whose income largely depended on the prices of agricultural products.<ref name=":03" /> Rawlings' economic policies led to an economic crisis in 1983, forcing him to undertake structural adjustment and submit himself to election to retain power.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=22 December 2001|title=Ghana: defining the African challenge|journal=The Lancet|language=en|volume=358|issue=9299|pages=2141–2149|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(01)07221-X|pmid=11784645|issn=0140-6736|last1=Horton|first1=Richard|s2cid=19547198}}</ref> Elections were held in January 1992, leading Ghana back to multiparty democracy.<ref name=":122"/> == 1992 elections == {{more information|Rawlings government}} [[File:Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings with US Ambassador Kenneth Brown.png|thumb|President Rawlings (right) with United States Ambassador [[Kenneth L. Brown]] (center) and a [[United States Air Force]] crewman in 1995]] Rawlings established the National Commission on Democracy (NCD) shortly after the 1982 coup, and employed it to survey civilian opinion and make recommendations that would facilitate the process of democratic transition. In March 1991, the NCD released a report recommending the election of an executive president, the establishment of a national assembly, and the creation of the post of prime minister. The PNDC used NCD recommendations to establish a committee for the drafting of a new constitution based on past Ghanaian Constitutions, that lifted the ban on political parties in May 1992 after it was approved by referendum.<ref name=":122"/> On Friday, 3 November 1992, election results compiled by the INEC from 200 constituencies showed that Rawlings' NDC had won 60% of the votes, and had obtained the majority needed to prevent a second round of voting.<ref name=":122"/> More specifically, the NDC won 62% in the Brong-Ahafo region, 93% in the Volta region, and majority votes in Upper West, Upper East, Western, Northern, Central, and Greater Accra regions.<ref name=":122"/> His opponents Professor [[Adu Boahen]] won 31% of the votes, former President Hilla Limann won 6.8%, [[Kwabena Darko]] won 2.9%, and [[Emmanuel Erskine]] won 1.7%.<ref name=":122"/> Voter turnout was 50%.<ref name=":322">{{Cite journal|last=Lyons|first=Terrence|date=1 April 1997|title=A Major Step Forward|journal=Journal of Democracy|language=en|volume=8|issue=2|pages=65–77|doi=10.1353/jod.1997.0019|s2cid=154046946|issn=1086-3214}}</ref> The ability of opposition parties to compete was limited by the vast advantages Rawlings possessed. Rawlings' victory was aided by the various party structures that were integrated into society during his rule, called the "organs of the revolution".<ref name=":122"/> These structures included the Committees for the Defence of the Revolution (CDRs), Commando Units, 31 December Women's Organization, the 4 June movement, Peoples Militias, and Mobisquads, and operated on a system of popular control through intimidation.<ref name=":122" /> Rawlings held a monopoly over national media, and was able to censor print and electronic media through a PNDC newspaper licensing decree, PNDC Law 221.<ref name=":122" /> Moreover, Rawlings imposed a 20,000 Cedis (about $400) cap on campaign contributions, which made national publicity of opposition parties virtually impossible. Rawlings himself began campaigning before the official unbanning of political parties and had access to state resources and was able to effectively meet all monetary demands required of a successful campaign.<ref name=":322"/><ref name=":122" /> Rawlings travelled across the country, initiating public-works projects and giving public employees a 60% pay rise prior to election day.<ref name=":322"/> Opposition parties objected to the election results, citing incidences of [[vote stuffing]] in regions where Rawlings was likely to lose and rural areas with scant populations, as well as a bloated voters' register and a partisan electoral commission.<ref name=":122" /><ref name=":322"/> However, the [[Commonwealth Observer Group]], led by Sir [[Ellis Clarke]], approved of the election as "free and fair", as there were very few issues at polling stations and no major incidences of voter coercion.<ref name=":122"/> In contrast, the [[International Foundation for Electoral Systems]] (IFES) issued a report supporting claims that erroneous entries in voter registration could have affected election results.<ref name=":122"/> The [[Carter Center]] did acknowledge minor electoral issues but did not see these problems as indicative of systematic electoral fraud.<ref name=":322"/> Opposition parties boycotted subsequent Ghana parliamentary and presidential elections, and the unicameral National Assembly, of which NDC officials won 189 of 200 seats and essentially established a one-party parliament that lacked legitimacy and only had limited legislative powers.<ref name=":322"/> After the disputed election, the PNDC was transformed into the National Democratic Congress (NDC).<ref name=":62">{{Cite journal|last=Adedeji|first=John|date=Summer 2001|title=The Legacy of J.J. Rawlings in Ghanaian Politics 1979–2000|url=http://asq.africa.ufl.edu/files/Adedeji-Vol-5-Issue-2.pdf|journal=African Studies Quarterly|volume=5|access-date=25 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215005718/http://asq.africa.ufl.edu/files/Adedeji-Vol-5-Issue-2.pdf|archive-date=15 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Rawlings took office on Thursday, 7 January 1993, the same day that the new constitution came into effect, and the government became known as the [[Fourth Republic of Ghana]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6a8118.html |title=Ghana: Update on the Fourth Republic |publisher=Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |date=1 September 1994 |via=[[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees|UNHCR]] |access-date=5 January 2020 }}</ref> == Policies and reforms == Rawlings established the Economic Recovery Program (ERP) suggested by the [[World Bank]] and the [[International Monetary Fund]] in 1982 due to the poor state of the economy after 18 months of attempting to govern it through administrative controls and mass mobilization.<ref name=":322"/> The policies implemented caused a dramatic currency devaluation, the removal of price controls, and social-service subsidies which favored farmers over urban workers, and privatization of some state-owned enterprises, and restraints on government spending.<ref name=":322" /> Funding was provided by bilateral donors, reaching US$800&nbsp;million in 1987 and 1988, and US$900&nbsp;million in 1989.<ref name=":322" /> Between 1992 and 1996, Rawlings eased control over the judiciary and civil society, allowing a more independent [[Supreme Court of Ghana|Supreme Court]] and the publication of independent newspapers. Opposition parties operated outside of parliament and held rallies and press conferences.<ref name=":322"/> == 1996 elections == Given the various issues with the 1992 elections, the 1996 elections were a great improvement in terms of electoral oversight. Voter registration was re-compiled, with close to 9.2&nbsp;million voters registering at nearly 19,000 polling stations, which the opposition had largely approved after party agents had reviewed the lists.<ref name=":322"/> The emphasis on transparency led Ghanaian non-governmental organizations to create the Network of Domestic Election Observers (NEDEO), which trained nearly 4,100 local [[poll watchers]].<ref name=":322"/> This organization was popular across political parties and civic groups. On the day of the election, more than 60,000 candidate agents monitored close to all polling sites, and were responsible for directly reporting results to their respective party leaders.<ref name=":322"/> The parallel vote-tabulation system allowed polling sites to compare their results to the official ones released by the Electoral commission.<ref name=":322"/> The Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) was established to discuss election preparations with all parties and the Electoral Commission, as well as establish procedures to investigate and resolve complaints.<ref name=":322"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.devex.com/news/the-electoral-political-process-79863|title=The Electoral Political Process|date=30 November 2012|work=Devex|access-date=24 November 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126005558/https://www.devex.com/news/the-electoral-political-process-79863|archive-date=26 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Presidential and parliamentary elections were held on the same day and see-through boxes were used in order to further ensure the legitimacy of the elections.<ref name=":322"/> Despite some fears of electoral violence, the election was peaceful and had a 78% turnout rate, and was successful with only minor problems such as an inadequate supply of ink and parliamentary ballots.<ref name=":322"/> The two major contenders of the 1996 election were Rawlings' NDC, and [[John Kufuor]]'s Great Alliance, an amalgamation of the [[New Patriotic Party|New Patriotic Party (NPP)]] and the People's Convention Party (PCP).<ref name=":322"/> The Great Alliance based their platform on ousting Rawlings, and attacked the incumbent government for its poor fiscal policies. However, they were unable to articulate a clear positive message of their own, or plans to change the current economic policy. As Ghana was heavily dependent on international aid, local leaders had minimal impact on the economy. The [[Election commission|Electoral Commission]] reported that Rawlings had won by 57%, with Kufuor obtaining 40% of the vote. Results by district were similar to those in 1992, with the opposition winning the [[Ashanti Region]] and some constituencies in Eastern and Greater Accra, and Rawlings winning in his ethnic home, the [[Volta Region]], and faring well in every other region.<ref name=":322"/> The NDC took 134 seats in the Assembly compared to the opposition's 66, and the NPP took 60 seats in the parliament.<ref>{{Cite web|title=GHANA: parliamentary elections Parliament, 1996|url=http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2123_96.htm|website=archive.ipu.org|access-date=25 May 2020|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112230519/http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2123_96.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ghanaelections.peacefmonline.com/pages/1996/index.php|title=Ghana Election 1996|author=Peace FM|website=Ghana Elections – Peace FM|access-date=2 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802234759/http://ghanaelections.peacefmonline.com/pages/1996/index.php|archive-date=2 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> == Post military == The 1992 constitution limits a president to two terms, even if they are nonconsecutive. Rawlings did not attempt to amend the document to allow him to run for a third term in [[2000 Ghanaian general election|2000]]. He retired in 2001 and was succeeded by [[John Kufuor|John Agyekum Kufuor]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/26420/rawlings-attacks-kufuor.html|title=Rawlings Attacks Kufuor|website=Modern Ghana|language=en|date=1 October 2002|access-date=2 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802235346/https://www.modernghana.com/news/26420/rawlings-attacks-kufuor.html|archive-date=2 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> his main rival and opponent in 1996. It was the first time in Ghanaian history that a sitting government [[peacefully transferred power]] to an elected member of the opposition. Kufuor won the presidency after defeating Rawlings' vice-president [[John Atta Mills]] in a runoff in 2000. In 2004, Mills conceded to Kufuor after another election between the two.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/john-atta-mills-politician-who-helped-secure-democracy-in-ghana-8015624.html|title=John Atta Mills: Politician who helped secure democracy in Ghana|first=Cameron|last=Duodu|author-link=Cameron Duodu|date=8 August 2012|website=The Independent|language=en|access-date=2 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802235356/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/john-atta-mills-politician-who-helped-secure-democracy-in-ghana-8015624.html|archive-date=2 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> == Post presidency == In November 2000, Rawlings was named the first [[International Year of Volunteers]] 2001 Eminent Person by [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|UN Secretary-General]] [[Kofi Annan]], attending various events and conferences to promote volunteerism.<ref> "IYV 2001: A chronology" published at [http://www.unv.org/en/news-resources/archive/unv-news/unv-news-december-2001/doc/iyv-2001-a-chronology.html unv.org] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006175744/http://www.unv.org/en/news-resources/archive/unv-news/unv-news-december-2001/doc/iyv-2001-a-chronology.html |date=6 October 2016 }}, by UN Volunteers. Retrieved 11 August 2016.</ref> In October 2010, Rawlings was named as the [[African Union]] envoy to [[Somalia]].<ref>[http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Rawlings-named-AU-envoy-to-Somalia-20101009 "Rawlings named AU envoy to Somalia"], 9 October 2010. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602010109/http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Rawlings-named-AU-envoy-to-Somalia-20101009 |date=2 June 2011 }}. ''news24.com''.</ref> In November 2010, he attended the inauguration of [[Dési Bouterse]] as [[President of Suriname]], and took a tour of the country. He was especially interested in the Ghanaian origins of the [[Maroons|Maroon]] people.<ref name=":1" /> Rawlings delivered lectures at universities, including [[Oxford University]] in England.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Kasuka|first=Bridgette|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k2nxqV2R7_8C&q=He+has+given+lectures+at+universities,+including+Oxford+University+by+jerry+john+rawlings&pg=PA288|title=Prominent African Leaders Since Independence|date=April 2013|publisher=New Africa Press|isbn=978-9987-16-026-6|language=en|access-date=21 May 2020|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112230537/https://books.google.com/books?id=k2nxqV2R7_8C&pg=PA288&lpg=PA288&dq=He+has+given+lectures+at+universities%2C+including+Oxford+University+by+jerry+john+rawlings|url-status=live}}</ref> Rawlings continued his heavy support for NDC.<ref name="A Threat to Ghana's Democracy">Akosah-Sarpong, Kofi, [http://www.africanexecutive.com/modules/magazine/articles.php?article=5031 "Jerry Rawlings: A Threat to Ghana's Democracy?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107141453/http://www.africanexecutive.com/modules/magazine/articles.php?article=5031 |date=7 January 2015 }}. ''The African Executive''. </ref> In July 2019, he went on a three-day working trip to [[Burkina Faso]] in the capacity of Chairman of the Thomas Sankara Memorial Committee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/rawlings-on-working-visit-to-burkina-faso.html|website=www.graphic.com.gh|access-date=18 July 2019|title=Rawlings on working visit to Burkina Faso|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718191203/https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/rawlings-on-working-visit-to-burkina-faso.html|archive-date=18 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2019, he paid a tribute on behalf of the president and people of Ghana, when he led a delegation to the funeral of [[Robert Mugabe]], the late former president of [[Zimbabwe]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myjoyonline.com/politics/2019/September-14th/mugabe-was-a-formidable-warrior-rawlings-tribute-on-behalf-of-govt.php|title=Mugabe was a 'formidable warrior' – Rawlings' tribute on behalf of gov't|website=www.myjoyonline.com|access-date=14 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917220658/https://www.myjoyonline.com/politics/2019/September-14th/mugabe-was-a-formidable-warrior-rawlings-tribute-on-behalf-of-govt.php|archive-date=17 September 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Government sends delegation to the funeral of Robert Mugabe |url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/government-sends-delegation-to-the-funeral-of-robert-mugabe.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918003727/https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/government-sends-delegation-to-the-funeral-of-robert-mugabe.html |archive-date=18 September 2019 |access-date=16 September 2019 |website=Graphic Ghana}}</ref> == Death and state funeral == Rawlings died on 12 November 2020 at [[Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital]] in Accra, a week after having been admitted for a "short term illness" in Ghana.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 November 2020 |title=Breaking News: Jerry John Rawlings is dead |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Breaking-News-Jerry-John-Rawlings-is-dead-1107193 |access-date=12 November 2020 |website= |publisher=Ghana Web}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-ghana-rawlings/former-ghana-president-jerry-rawlings-dies-at-73-idUKKBN27S1WK|title=Jerry Rawlings, Ghana's unlikely democrat, dies at 73|first=Christian|last=Akorlie|date=12 November 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=12 November 2020|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112230520/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-ghana-rawlings/former-ghana-president-jerry-rawlings-dies-at-73-idUKKBN27S1WK|url-status=live}}</ref> According to some reports, his death was caused by complications from [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Jerry Rawlings: Buhari, Akufo-Addo, world leaders, celebrities react to death of former Ghana leader Jerry Rawlings |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/world-54920769 |work=BBC News |date=12 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Jerry Rawlings, Ghana's former president, dies at 73 |url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/rest-of-africa/jerry-rawlings-ghana-former-president-dies-3020074 |work=The East African |date=13 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ghana's President Pays Courtesy Visit to Jerry Rawlings' Wife |url=https://www.arise.tv/ghanas-president-pays-courtesy-visit-to-jerry-rawlings-wife/ |work=Arise TV |date=13 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Adebayo |first1=Adeyemi |title=Former Ghanaian President, Jerry Rawlings dies from COVID-19 complications |url=https://nairametrics.com/2020/11/12/former-ghanaian-president-jerry-rawlings-dies-from-covid-19-complications/ |work=Nairametrics |date=12 November 2020}}</ref> His death came nearly two months after that of his mother, Victoria Agbotui, on 24 September 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rawlings' mother has died |url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/national/rawlings-mother-has-died/|date=24 September 2020|access-date=12 November 2020|website=www.myjoyonline.com|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112230521/https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/national/rawlings-mother-has-died/|url-status=live}}</ref> President [[Nana Akufo-Addo]] declared a seven-day period of mourning in his honor and flags flown at half-mast.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Prez Akufo-Addo declares seven-day national mourning in honour of Rawlings|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/prez-akufo-addo-declares-seven-day-national-mourning-in-honour-of-rawlings.html|access-date=12 November 2020|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}</ref> His family members appealed to the [[Government of Ghana]] to bury him in [[Keta]] in the [[Volta Region]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bury Rawlings in Keta – Family demands|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-bury-rawlings-in-keta-family-demands.html|access-date=14 November 2020|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}</ref> A schedule for the signing of a book of condolence was opened in his memory.<ref>{{Cite web|title=See the schedule for the signing of Rawlings' Book of Condolence|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/see-the-schedule-for-the-signing-of-rawlings-book-of-condolence.html|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}</ref> His funeral, originally planned for 23 December 2020, was postponed at the request of his family.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 November 2020|title=Anlo Traditional Council fumes over Rawlings funeral announcement|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/11/anlo-traditional-council-fumes-over-rawlings-funeral-announcement/|access-date=28 January 2021|website=Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=27 January 2021|title=Anlo traditional area to organise funeral for Rawlings without body|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2021/01/anlo-traditional-area-to-organise-funeral-for-rawlings-without-body/|access-date=28 January 2021|website=Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=State funeral for Rawlings scheduled for December 23|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/state-funeral-for-rawlings-scheduled-for-december-23.html|access-date=30 November 2020|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rawlings' funeral postponed|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-rawlings-funeral-postponed.html|access-date=22 December 2020|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}</ref> === State burial === From 24 to 27 January 2021, funeral ceremonies were organised at Accra in Rawlings' memory.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rawlings to be buried on Jan. 27 – MyJoyOnline.com|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/rawlings-to-be-buried-on-jan-27/|access-date=24 January 2021|website=www.myjoyonline.com|date=12 January 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Ghana govment announce date for Jerry Rawlings burial|work=BBC News Pidgin|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-55139109|access-date=24 January 2021}}</ref> A [[Requiem|requiem mass]] for Jerry Rawlings was held at the [[Holy Spirit Cathedral (Accra)|Holy Spirit Cathedral]] on 24 January 2021, followed by a vigil at the Air Force Officers' Mess in Accra later that evening.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Requiem mass held in honour of late former President Rawlings – MyJoyOnline.com|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/requiem-mass-held-in-honour-of-late-former-president-rawlings/|access-date=25 January 2021|website=www.myjoyonline.com|date=24 January 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=24 January 2021|title=LIVESTREAMED: Catholic Requiem Mass for late Jerry John Rawlings|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/LIVESTREAMED-Catholic-Requiem-Mass-for-late-Jerry-John-Rawlings-1162675|access-date=24 January 2021|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=24 January 2021|title=LIVESTREAMED: Ghana Armed Forces holds vigil in honour of Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/LIVESTREAMED-Ghana-Armed-Forces-holds-vigil-in-honour-of-Flt-Lt-Jerry-John-Rawlings-1162786|access-date=24 January 2021|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en}}</ref> His body was [[Lying in state|laid in state]] in the foyer of the [[Accra International Conference Centre]] from 25 to 26 January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Welle (www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche|title=Ghana bids farewell to former president Jerry Rawlings {{!}} DW {{!}} 26 January 2021|url=https://www.dw.com/en/ghana-bids-farewell-to-former-president-jerry-rawlings/g-56345039|access-date=26 January 2021|website=DW.COM|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ghana Pays Final Respects to Former President Jerry Rawlings {{!}} Voice of America – English|url=https://www.voanews.com/africa/ghana-pays-final-respects-former-president-jerry-rawlings|access-date=26 January 2021|website=www.voanews.com|date=26 January 2021 |language=en}}</ref> There were also traditional rites performed by the [[Anlo Ewe]] people of his maternal ancestry. On 27 January 2021, a state funeral, attended by national and international political leaders, paramount chiefs, diplomats and other dignitaries, was held at the [[Black Star Square]] before his burial service at the [[List of cemeteries in Accra|Military Cemetery]] at [[Burma Camp]], with full military honours, including a [[Military step#Marching types and commands|slow march]] by the [[Funeral procession|funeral cortège]], a [[flypast]] of a [[Ghana Air Force]] helicopter, the sounding of the [[Last Post]] by army buglers and a [[21-gun salute]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 January 2021|title=Ghana buries former president Jerry Rawlings with honors|url=https://www.khon2.com/international/ghana-buries-former-president-jerry-rawlings-with-honors/|access-date=27 January 2021|website=KHON2|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ghana's revered leader Rawlings buried with military honours|url=https://news.yahoo.com/ghanas-revered-leader-rawlings-buried-140605503.html|access-date=27 January 2021|website=news.yahoo.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=27 January 2021|title=Rawlings funeral: Ghanaians bid farewell to ex-president|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55826051|access-date=27 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=AfricaNews|date=25 January 2021|title=Ghana honours ex-president John Jerry Rawlings|url=https://www.africanews.com/2021/01/25/ghana-s-ex-president-jj-rawlings-laid-in-state/|access-date=25 January 2021|website=Africanews|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=See de activities and plan for de final funeral rites of de late Jerry Rawlings|work=BBC News Pidgin|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-55794242|access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=27 January 2021|title=Ghana buries former president Jerry Rawlings with honors|url=https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/international/ghana-buries-former-president-jerry-rawlings-with-honors/|access-date=27 January 2021|website=KLBK {{!}} KAMC {{!}} EverythingLubbock.com|language=en-US}}</ref> == Awards and honours == * July 1984: the [[Order of Jose Marti]] by the Cuban leader Fidel Castro.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ghana 1982 To Present The Rule Of Jerry J Rawlings|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP87M00539R001501950005-3.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123001733/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP87M00539R001501950005-3.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 January 2017|website=CIA.gov}}</ref> *October 2013: Honorary degree ([[Doctorate of Letters]]) from the [[University for Development Studies]] in northern Ghana. **This award recognised Rawlings's contribution to the establishment of the university. In 1993, he used his US$50,000 [[The Hunger Project|Hunger Project]] cash prize as seed money to sponsor the establishment of the state-owned university (founded in May 1992), the first of its kind in the three Northern [[regions of Ghana]].<ref name="Masssly">{{cite web|url= http://new.uds.edu.gh/docs/Acceptance%20Speech.pdf |author= University for Development Studies News |title= Acceptance Speech by H. E. Jerry John Rawlings |work= Leadership for Sustainable Development and Democratic Transition in Ghana |access-date= 27 October 2013 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029202408/http://new.uds.edu.gh/docs/Acceptance%20Speech.pdf |archive-date= 29 October 2013 }}</ref> * October 2013: the Global Champion for People's Freedom award bestowed the Mkiva Humanitarian Foundation.<ref name="sadat"> {{cite web |url = http://elections.peacefmonline.com/politics/201310/178512.php |title = Rawlings Receives Another Award in South Africa And Says The World Is Engulfed in Hypocrisy |date = 27 October 2013 |work = Office of Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings/Former President of the Republic of Ghana |author = Peace FM Online |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200639/http://elections.peacefmonline.com/politics/201310/178512.php |archive-date = 29 October 2013 |df = dmy-all |access-date = 27 October 2013 }} </ref> *August 2014: Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hall of Fame|url=http://publications.uew.edu.gh/2015/hof/flt-lt-jerry-john-rawlings-rtd|access-date=26 November 2020|website=Department of Publishing and Web Development|language=en}}</ref> *August 2018: Marcus Garvey Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rawlings honoured with Marcus Garvey Award|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/rawlings-honoured-with-marcus-garvey-award.html|access-date=26 November 2020|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}</ref> *December 2018: [[Enstooled]] as the '''Togbuiga Nutifafa I''' of Anlo, a development chief in the [[Ghanaian chieftaincy]] system.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 November 2020 |title=A father who can't mourn his child |url=https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2020/11/16/a-father-who-cant-mourn-his-child-customs-that-bar-togbui-sri-iii-from-rawlingss-funeral/ |access-date=22 December 2020 |website=Ghanabusinessnews.}}</ref> *December 2021: the book, 'J.J RAWLINGS: MEMORIES AND MEMENTOS' written to honor him by the [[Pan African Writers' Association|Pan-African Writers Association]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-23 |title=Nana Konadu receives book written to honour Rawlings |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Nana-Konadu-receives-book-written-to-honour-Rawlings-1407364 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en}}</ref> == Legacy == President [[Nana Akufo-Addo]] proposed to the Governing Council of [[University for Development Studies|UDS]] to rename the institution after Jerry John Rawlings since Rawlings used his US$50,000 Hunger Project prize as seed money to establish the university.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the University for Development Studies – University for Development Studies |url=https://uds.edu.gh/about/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Prez Akufo-Addo wants UDS to be renamed after Rawlings|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/education/prez-akufo-addo-wants-uds-to-be-renamed-after-rawlings.html|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}</ref> This suggestion was accepted by his family.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rawlings' family welcomes decision to name UDS after him|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/rawlings-family-welcomes-decision-to-name-uds-after-him.html|access-date=30 November 2020|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=27 January 2021|title=UDS-Tamale to be renamed after Rawlings as family accepts Akufo-Addo's proposal|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2021/01/uds-tamale-to-be-renamed-after-rawlings-as-family-accepts-akufo-addos-proposal/|access-date=27 January 2021|website=Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana|language=en-US}}</ref> A foundation called the JJ Rawlings Foundation was named after him led by his children, Madam Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings and Madam Amina Agyeman-Rawlings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 November 2023 |title=Akosombo dam spillage: JJ Rawlings Foundation donates to Mepe flood victims |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/1271192/akosombo-dam-spillage-jj-rawlings-foundation-dona.html |access-date=15 November 2023 |website=Modern Ghana}}</ref> == References == {{Reflist}} == Further reading == The following are physical books relevant to Jerry Rawlings, which may not be available online, but are added in case of looking for more information. * {{Cite book|last=Danso-Boafo|first=Kwaku|title=J. J. Rawlings and the Democratic Transition in Ghana|publisher=Ghana Universities Press|year=2012|isbn=978-996430384-6|location=Accra}} *{{Cite book|last=Ahwoi|first=Kwamena|title=Working with Rawlings|publisher=Digibooks Ghana Limited|year=2020|isbn=9789988892999|location=Tema}} *Nugent, Paul (1996). ''Big men, small boys and politics in Ghana''. London: Frances Pinter. {{ISBN|9781855673731}} See also, Shipley, Jesse Weaver. "Alternative Histories of Global Sovereignty: Ghana's Lost Revolution" ''Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East''. Vol. 42, No. 2, 2022, pp. 532–537. DOI 10.1215/1089201X09988009. == External links == * [https://web.archive.org/web/20120201105334/http://www.ghana-pedia.org/org/index.php?option=com_directory&listing=(Flt-Lt)%20Jeremiah%20J.%20Rawlings&page=viewListing&lid=120&Itemid=36 Flight Lieutenant Jeremiah John Rawlings] at ghana-pedia.org {{S-start}} {{S-off}} {{Succession box|title=[[Head of state of Ghana]]|before=[[Fred Akuffo]]|after=[[Hilla Limann]]|years=1979}} – {{Succession box|title=[[Head of state of Ghana]]|before=[[Hilla Limann]]|after=''Constitutional Rule'' |years=1981–1993}} {{S-bef|before=''Constitutional rule re-established in Ghana''}} {{s-ttl|title=[[President of Ghana]]|years=1993–2001}} {{S-aft|after=[[John Kufuor]]}} {{S-bef|before=[[Nicéphore Soglo]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Economic Community of West African States|Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States]]|years=1994–1996}} {{s-aft|after=[[Sani Abacha]]}} |- {{s-mil}} {{s-bef|before=[[Joseph Nunoo-Mensah]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Chief of the Defence Staff (Ghana)|Chief of the Defence Staff]] |years=November 1982 – August 1983}} {{s-aft|after=[[Arnold Quainoo]]}} |- {{s-ppo}} {{s-new}} {{s-ttl|title=[[National Democratic Congress (Ghana)|National Democratic Congress presidential candidate]]|years=[[1992 Ghanaian presidential election|1992]], [[1996 Ghanaian presidential election|1996]]}} {{S-aft|after=[[John Atta Mills]]}} {{S-end}} {{Heads of State of Ghana}} {{Ghana topics}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Rawlings, Jerry}} [[Category:1947 births]] [[Category:2020 deaths]] [[Category:Alumni of Achimota School]] [[Category:Chiefs of the Defence Staff (Ghana)]] [[Category:Ghana Air Force personnel]] [[Category:Ghanaian Roman Catholics]] [[Category:Ghanaian people of Scottish descent]] [[Category:Left-wing populists]] [[Category:Leaders who took power by coup]] [[Category:National Democratic Congress (Ghana) politicians]] [[Category:People from Accra]] [[Category:Presidents of Ghana]] [[Category:Ewe people]] [[Category:People from Volta Region]] [[Category:Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana]] [[Category:Ghanaian aviators]] [[Category:21st-century Ghanaian politicians]] [[Category:20th-century Ghanaian politicians]] [[Category:20th-century presidents in Africa]]'