In a symbolic ceremony that underscored the bond between Ghana and Burkina Faso, a street in Ouagadougou was named after Ghana’s former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. Speaking after the event, his son, Kimathi Rawlings, reflected on his father's legacy, the legacy of Thomas Sankara, and the urgent need for African unity.

“I think it’s something that should have happened at this magnitude a while ago,” Kimathi said in an interview with GTV. “The Thomas Sankara Foundation has done its best to keep [Sankara’s] legend alive. And we’ve always been happy to support.”

Jerry John Rawlings and Thomas Sankara, both revolutionary leaders of their time, were not only close political allies but personal friends. Their vision for pan-Africanism and grassroots empowerment continues to resonate across the continent, especially following the rise of Ibrahim Traoré, the Burkinabé military officer and politician who has served as interim President of the country since 2022.

Kimathi said: “President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, my father, was a huge supporter of the foundation and he was a very close friend of Thomas Sankara."

The occasion drew representatives and well-wishers from across the continent, a show of solidarity that Kimathi described as profoundly meaningful.

“It means a lot to be here and it means a lot that the whole of Africa was more or less here to support this momentous occasion,” he said. “United we will rise and divided we will fall. That’s the way I look at it.”

He used the platform to make a broader call for unity across Africa, stressing that the current climate presents a rare and critical opportunity for the continent to come together.

“I think now more than ever, we have the opportunity to come together as a continent. Many have come before who have tried to accomplish this. But I think the atmosphere is perfect for that kind of unity,” Kimathi stated. “We see what is happening in the West and for once I think we are in a position to look inward at ourselves and see how we can progress as a continent.”

He emphasized the need for collaboration, saying Africa must resist working in silos. “Not just divided where everybody is doing something in their own little corner. Together, I think we can be a force for good in this world.”

Kimathi said he believes the continent's leaders are on the cusp of achieving this long-sought unity.

“Let’s streamline things, let’s work towards a better future. And I think our leaders are on the precipice of making that happen. So I think we’re in a good place.”

“But certainly,” he concluded, “united we will be able to accomplish that.”

Sankara Circle: Ghana did it too

The naming of a street in Burkina Faso after Thomas Sankara follows a similar gesture by Jerry John Rawlings.

Sankara Circle, once a prominent landmark in Accra, has undergone several transformations. Originally known as Akuafo Roundabout, it was later renamed Redemption Circle during the National Redemption Council era. Under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) led by Jerry John Rawlings, it became Sankara Circle, honoring Burkina Faso's revolutionary leader, Thomas Sankara.

In 1997, construction began on Ghana's first interchange at this site, culminating in the Sankara Interchange's completion in 1999. However, in 2005, the interchange was renamed Ako Adjei Interchange by the Kufuor administration to honor Dr. Ebenezer Ako Adjei, a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and one of Ghana's "Big Six" leaders.

Despite the official renaming, many locals continue to refer to the area as Sankara Circle.