Mahama joins NDC leadership as party renames headquarters after JJ

President John Dramani Mahama joined senior National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials on Sunday for the official renaming of the party’s headquarters in honour of its founder, the late Jerry John Rawlings.

The ceremony, which coincided with what would have been Rawlings’ 78th birthday, brought together party executives, government officials, Members of Parliament and members of the Rawlings family to celebrate the legacy of the former President and founder of the NDC.

President Mahama, accompanied by National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary Fifi Kwetey and other party leaders, participated in a cake-cutting ceremony alongside the children of the late statesman. The event was attended by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and several government appointees.

Many of those present were dressed in specially designed commemorative attire to mark the occasion and pay tribute to the former military leader and two-term President.

Also in attendance were Rawlings’ children, including Korle Klottey Member of Parliament Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and her siblings, who joined party faithful in celebrating their father’s enduring contribution to Ghana’s democratic journey.

The renaming of the headquarters was described by party members as a befitting honour for a leader whose political influence shaped the NDC for decades and left an indelible mark on Ghana’s political history.

Rawlings led Ghana during a transitional period and later won two successive presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 under the Fourth Republic. His leadership laid the foundation for the NDC’s growth into one of the country’s dominant political parties.

His influence extended beyond his own tenure in office, as he played a significant role in helping the NDC return to power under the late President John Evans Atta Mills in 2009 after a fiercely contested election.

Despite his deep ties to the party, Rawlings later became an outspoken critic of some aspects of its governance, frequently expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of party officials and government appointees. His public disagreements with sections of the party leadership often generated national debate and highlighted his commitment to accountability and discipline.

Jerry John Rawlings died on November 12, 2020, at the age of 73 at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after a short illness.

Nearly six years after his passing, the NDC continues to celebrate his legacy, with the renaming of its headquarters serving as another symbol of his enduring impact on the party and Ghana’s democracy.