NDC to rename party headquarters after Jerry Rawlings on 79th birthday

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) will rename its headquarters after former President Jerry John Rawlings as part of activities marking his 79th birthday on June 22.

The event forms part of commemorative activities being organised by the NDC and the J.J. Rawlings Foundation under the theme, “From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy.”

In a statement, the organisers said, “The first event of the day will be the naming of the party headquarters after Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and the unveiling of his bust at 9am.”

The statement, signed by Deputy National Communication Officer Godwin Ako Gunn, added that “the event will be addressed by the leader of the party, President John Dramani Mahama and other leading members of the party.”

Rawlings was the first President of the Fourth Republic after winning the 1992 presidential election on the ticket of the newly formed National Democratic Congress. His victory ushered in Ghana’s return to constitutional rule and marked the beginning of a new democratic era.

The NDC has since produced two other presidents, the late President John Evans Atta Mills and the current President, John Dramani Mahama, highlighting the party’s continued influence on Ghana’s political landscape.

The celebration will continue later in the day with a lecture and exhibition at the auditorium of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences near the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Accra.

According to the statement, “The keynote speaker will be Ghanaian academic and lawyer, Tsatsu Tsikata. That programme starts at 4pm.”

Other speakers expected to participate include Dr. Akwasi Opong Fosu, former Minister for Local Government and current Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, as well as former Minister for Information and National Security, Kofi Totobi Quakyi.

The NDC said the commemorative activities are intended to celebrate the life and contributions of its founder, whose influence continues to shape both the party and Ghana’s democratic development.

The statement further noted that “Members of the public, party members, supporters and cadres are all invited to participate in the two events to celebrate Flt Lt Rawlings’ birthday and honour his life and legacy.”

The twin events are expected to attract party faithful, supporters and members of the public as the NDC pays tribute to one of the most influential figures in Ghana’s political history, whose leadership helped define the country’s Fourth Republic.