The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has charged government not to go contrary to the wishes of former President Jerry John Rawlings by naming the University of Development Studies (UDS) after him.
The Party's caution comes after President Akufo-Addo advocated for UDS to be named after Mr Rawlings (the founder of the school) while addressing congregants of UDS at a graduation ceremony on Saturday.
The President acknowledged that although the late former president rejected the offer, naming the tertiary institution after Mr Rawlings is an honour that should be accorded him.
But in a statement signed by PPP’s National Secretary, Paa Kow Ackon on Tuesday, it indicated the Party's concern about the President’s suggestion, making reference to 2015 where the late former president turned down an offer to have the Offshore Cape Three Points FPSO vessel named after him.
In view of this, Mr Ackon said it would be “inappropriate” for the President to go against the “long-standing principle” of Mr Rawlings “not to have national monuments and facilities named after him”.
“In as much as President Akufo-Addo may have the best of intention in this agenda, it is absolutely significant to note that it would be inappropriate for Mr Akufo-Addo to disregard the wishes of Ex-President Rawlings in this attempt to rename the UDS after him,” he added.
The National Secretary, however, recommended that the nation focusses on establishing museums and libraries for its ex-Presidents "to preserve our history and serve as tourist attractions".
He asked that former Heads of State champion the cause by helping to raise funds to undertake the project. They also recommended that Parliament begins discussions on the matter.
“We recommend that Parliament should begin a discussion on a Presidential Records Act, which will mandate that our Presidents hand over their papers, artifacts, memorabilia and other archives to the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) for preservation and maintenance when they leave office.”
Former President Jerry John Rawlings died on Thursday at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness.
Latest Stories
-
We’ve not selected NPP members as returning officers – EC replies Mahama
9 mins -
We’ll not honour any invitation – ECG tells Ashanti Regional Minister
34 mins -
Dumsor vigil to hit Accra
40 mins -
Supreme Court rule for dual citizens to hold other key positions laudable – Kwaku Asare
54 mins -
‘No one is above the law’ – CAF president on match-fixing allegations against Samuel Eto’o
1 hour -
Manchester City thrash Brighton to go second in table
1 hour -
NDC’s running-mate speech proves readiness to lead – Asah-Asante
2 hours -
Further win for nibima as another KNUST study supports medicinal prowess
2 hours -
World Bank’s food price index eases; maize, wheat prices hit 3-year low
3 hours -
2020 polls all about pulling Ghana back from precipice of destruction, corruption – Naana Jane
3 hours -
Guru expresses interest in contesting SRC election at UG
3 hours -
Oil prices projected to average $84 in 2024 – World Bank
4 hours -
Meet 2 Ghanaian entrepreneurs on a mission to connect 1m African professionals to global companies by 2034
4 hours -
NCA approves Starlink’s satellite broadband application
4 hours -
Government orders FGR to revamp mining operations; assures workers of commitment to their welfare
4 hours