A political scientist, Dr. Kwasi Jonah has acclaimed ex-President Jerry Rawlings as the "symbol for the fight against corruption, and oppression." According to him, Mr.Rawlings' role in wiping out corruption and oppression cannot be overemphasized. May 15, 2009 marks the 30th anniversary of the failed military uprising led by ex President Rawlings with assistance from junior army officers. The military uprising was to topple the reign of Gen Akuffo's Supreme Military Council, which was infested with widespread corruption. Ft. Lt. Rawlings and a number of his co-conspirators were however arrested and tried for mutiny. He was however rescued on June 4th 1979 by other military personnel led by Capt. Boakye Gyan in yet another coup which successfully toppled the military government. Rawlings had since his release remained an icon in Ghana's political history, praised and demonised at the same time by different political luminaries. Dr. Jonah told Joy News, May 15 and its architects will continue to play a remarkable role in the country's history. Even though the day should not be celebrated as public holiday, Dr. Jonah said it should be remembered as offering useful lessons for students of history. "The political oppression, economic mismanagement, the oppression and exploitation of the ordinary was prevalent," he said, adding, "we should not allow the nation to slip into that condition again to warrant a similar action." Asked if the day has served any useful purpose in our current history, Dr. Jonah said "the economic and political condition of today are very different. We have multi-party politics, regular election... The economic situation today is way ahead and far better than the economic condition at the time." Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline