The Rawlings' family and Foundation have issued a statement to mark the fourth anniversary of his passing, describing him as a warm soul who dedicated his whole life to the ordinary people.

The statement dated November 12 said, "He was an example of African patriotic leadership committed to freedom, justice and accountability for the ordinary man and woman."

Ghana's former President Jerry John Rawlings died at the age of 73 on Thursday morning, November 12, 2020, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra.

Mr Rawlings had been on admission at Korle Bu for about a week for an undisclosed ailment before the sad incident happened. 

Mr Rawlings was born on June 22, 1947. His mother, Madam Victoria Agbotui also died in September 2020 at age 101 and was buried on October 24, 2020, the last time that Mr Rawlings was seen in public.

Jerry John Rawlings emerged onto Ghana’s political landscape in 1979 at a time when Ghana was facing socio-economic decline. As a young Airforce fighter pilot, leading a nation in crises, Flt Lt JJ Rawlings understood the need to ‘lead from the front,’ inspiring a new political awakening among Ghanaians.

Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings remains the longest serving leader of Ghana.

He was Head of State between June and September 1979 as Chairman of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), Chairman of the PNDC from December 1981 to January 1992 and elected First President of the Fourth Republic from 1992 to January 2001.

He is the Founder of the National Democratic Congress.

Read the statement from the Rawlings' Family and Foundation 

PRESIDENT JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS – FOUR YEARS ON

Today marks the 4th anniversary of the passing of President Jerry John Rawlings.

We commemorate the 4th anniversary of the loss of the former President, who was a dedicated husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend to millions in Ghana and across the world.

Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings was a warm soul who dedicated his whole life to the ordinary people. He was an example of African patriotic leadership committed to freedom, justice and accountability for the ordinary man and woman. He emphasised Africa’s need for leaders and Governments that are genuinely committed to serving their people. 

As we reflect on his legacy, we recognise the profound impact JJ Rawlings has had on Ghana's socio-economic recovery, Her growth and development.  Duty-bound to the cause of social justice throughout his life, Jerry John Rawlings has indeed left an indelible mark in Ghana, and Africa. His courage to stand against injustice, and his strength to stand against the exploitation of our human and natural resources continues to be an inspiration on the continent of Africa.

Jerry John Rawlings emerged onto Ghana’s political landscape in 1979 at a time when Ghana was facing socio-economic decline. As a young Airforce fighter pilot, leading a nation in crises, Flt Lt JJ Rawlings understood the need to ‘lead from the front,’ inspiring a new political awakening among Ghanaians. Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, remains the longest serving leader of Ghana. He was Head of State between June and September 1979 as Chairman of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), Chairman of the PNDC from December 1981 to January 1992 and elected First President of the Fourth Republic from 1992 to January 2001. He is the Founder of the National Democratic Congress.

Jerry John Rawlings remains The People’s Man: A leader who gave his life willingly in service to the ordinary people.