The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has declared that the purpose of celebrating the birthday of the party’s founder, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, is to draw lessons from his principles—such as probity and accountability, punctuality, positive defiance, belief in democracy, and the need for regular lifestyle audits.

Mr. Nketia said such a commemorative event presents an opportunity to redefine national values.

“There is no country that has developed without national values. Today, for us in the NDC, we have something to talk about. But if you ask the nation, as a Ghanaian, what are our aspirations, what do we believe in, what represents our code of conduct—we do not have that clearly defined. We can look at all our great leaders and the values they espoused. If possible, let’s take the debate to Parliament and define our national values,” he stated.

He made these comments at a well-attended ceremony organised by the NDC on Sunday to mark the 78th birthday of the party’s founder, the late President Jerry John Rawlings.

Mr. Nketia noted that defining national values is essential in holding both leadership and citizens accountable when they deviate from them.

“I know that our founder espoused probity and accountability. It does not matter where you are placed as a citizen—you must always remember that you have to account for your stewardship. Probity and accountability should not be understood to mean accounting only for money. If you are assigned a position of authority, remember that one day you will be required to explain and account to the citizens how you used that authority,” he said.

Touching on the principle of positive defiance espoused by the late President Rawlings, he said it meant that if a senior is making a mistake, one must stand up and state that the action is wrong.

He stressed that failing to listen to one’s conscience and going along with wrongdoing—even at the direction of a superior—makes one equally culpable. He emphasised the importance of instilling this bold principle in the youth.

Mr. Nketia also praised President Rawlings’ democratic values, stating that he was committed to seeking the views of all stakeholders before making decisions.

He recalled how Rawlings would visit Makola Market to consult with market queens and traders about whether an upcoming budget would be favourable to them.

He also highlighted Rawlings’ sense of punctuality, saying the late president always apologised when he was late due to unavoidable reasons. “We must inculcate timeliness in our citizenry,” he said.

The party chairman also recounted how those working with President Rawlings were expected to explain any unexplained income if he suspected they were living beyond their means.

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Rawlings Family Tribute

Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, who attended the event with his sister Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, reflected on their father’s commitment to inclusive governance.

He noted that Rawlings’ desire for broad citizen participation in governance led to the establishment of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.

“As we mark this special day, we are reminded of his vision for a better Ghana—his courage in the face of adversity, his passion for justice, and his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the Ghanaian people. These are enshrined in the directive principles of state policy under the 1992 Constitution,” Kimathi said.

He thanked the NDC for keeping his father’s vision alive and for remaining a beacon of hope and a protective umbrella for Ghanaians. He expressed the family’s gratitude for the solemn event and prayed that his father’s legacy would continue to inspire all to build a better Ghana.

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Love for Humanity

Earlier, NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey said President Rawlings was born for a great purpose. He admitted that, like everyone else, Rawlings was not perfect, but those who knew him recognised his love for people, his country, and for humanity.

He recalled that Rawlings often spoke about “the sovereignty of the human spirit,” which he (Kwetey) interpreted as “the sovereignty of the divine spirit that flows through humanity.”

Mr. Kwetey also made a spiritual reflection, saying that as far back as 1972, many foresaw the emergence of a young man destined to lead Ghana—visions and prophecies that he believed were fulfilled in Rawlings. He described Rawlings as someone who understood the soul of the nation and stood for its renewal.

“We went into the 2024 elections with the clarion call of ‘Resetting Ghana.’ If there’s a time to truly understand that reset, it must begin with us—especially those of us in the NDC. This is the moment and this is the day,” Mr. Kwetey said.

Other speakers at the event included former Chief of Staff Nana Ato Dadzie and Naval Captain Asassie Gyimah. Also present were Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders; Chief Bawumia of the Council of Elders; Dr. Christine Amoako-Nuamah; and Madam Akua Sena Dansua.