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A durbar has been held at Ada in the Greater Accra Region to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the 31st December Revolution, an event organisers say remains a defining moment in Ghana’s political history.
The commemorative activity included the lighting of the perpetual flame, a ceremonial durbar, and wreath laying, as well as speeches reflecting on the legacy and relevance of the revolution led by the late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (Rtd).
The December 31, 1981, Revolution marked a decisive turning point in Ghana’s governance, reshaping the country’s political direction and national outlook.
Organisers of the event said the uprising ignited a renewed sense of patriotism and promoted the ideals of honesty, truth, transparency and integrity , values they noted continue to influence Ghana’s democratic journey.
The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, urged Ghanaians to recommit themselves to the core values that have sustained the nation over the years. She stressed that although Ghana was a relatively young country, its history stretches far back and is anchored in enduring principles that have shaped national progress.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called on citizens to internalise the lessons of the revolution beyond commemorative events.
She highlighted accountability, openness, care, respect and selfless service as values that must guide national life, whether in public office, private enterprise or everyday community interactions.
Legacy
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Jerry John Rawlings, the Vice President recalled his commitment to recognising the contributions of ordinary and often forgotten citizens who sacrificed for the nation.
She said the Late President Rawlings consistently sought to push others forward rather than himself, describing it as a lesson in leadership and patriotism that remained relevant today.
She also paid tribute to unnamed individuals who made sacrifices for Ghana, likening them to the “unknown soldier” whose motivation was belief in a greater cause, the good of the majority and the values needed to move the country forward.
Acknowledging the difficulties Ghana faced over the past year, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the country had endured by God’s grace, adding that the quality of Ghana’s future depended on the collective actions of its people.
She said as the nation approaches a new year, Ghanaians must not merely hope for improvement but to consciously work towards making the year better through unity, discipline and service.
“We have a country to build, and everybody is part of it,” she said, urging citizens to avoid distractions and put Ghana first.
Attendance
The event attracted leading members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), supporters and cadres of the June 4 and 31st December revolutions.
NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, spoke at the event
Also in attendance were Comrade Shine Gaveh Chairman of the United Cadre Front, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Kimathi Rawlings, two of the four children of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings among other dignataries.
The perpetual flame was lit by Dr Asiedu-Nketiah assisted by Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Kimathi Rawlings,
