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A statue of former President, Jerry John Rawlings has been unveiled at Dzelukope in the Keta municipality of the Volta Region.
The unveiling, which was done on Wednesday (January 7), comes exactly 33 years after Mr Rawlings was sworn into office as the first President of the 4th Republic.
The construction of the effigy was funded by two individuals at Dzelukope - Mawuko Dzikunu, and Clifford Selasi Kekeshie.
In a statement prior to the unveiling ceremony, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia said the monument would keep the legacy of Mr Rawlings alive and serve as a reminder of what he lived and died for.
“This is to keep the flame he lit alive for future generations,” he added.
Mr Asiedu Nketia described the former President as a great patriot who championed the cause of unity and rapid development of the country.
He hinted that plans were also far advanced to name the national headquarters of the NDC in Accra after him.
Meanwhile, the Awoamefia of Anlo, Torgbui Sri III said the unveiling of the statue marked a significant day in the history of Anlo, adding that the former President placed his country before himself.
The statue, he said, would serve as an inspiration to the young people and help them to acquire a strong sense of nationalism.
The chief of Kedzi, Torgbui Joachim Acolatse V, said Mr Rawlings never forgot his roots while in power demanding accountability from the people, and stirring the conscience of the nation.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Health Authority, Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto said Mr Rawlings was an exceptional leader, whose critics acknowledged his charisma and commitment to social justice.
The Regional Minister, James Gunu said the former President sacrificed his life for his nation and humanity, and he was and remained a symbol of integrity.
“He was a great asset to his nation and even in his grave he is still a great asset to his nation,” he added.
The Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, and daughter of the former President, Dr Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings, paid glowing tribute to her father, saying he still occupied the hearts of many people with the values of transparency, dedication to duty, and love for humanity.
The unveiling was followed by a wreath laying ceremony by the statue.
Also present was the younger brother of the Dr Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings, Kimathi.
The unveiling of the statue coincided with the sod-cutting for the community library and museum project at Dzelukope.
