The JJ Rawlings Foundation and the family observed the third anniversary of the passing of former President Jerry John Rawlings on Sunday, describing the loss as a “difficult pill to swallow.”
On November 12, 2020, Ghana mourned the sudden demise of the former President.
In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, the Foundation and Family expressed the ongoing challenge of dealing with the shock and pain of losing “a husband, father, and champion of the masses.”
“Today marks three years of the loss of a man who endeared himself to millions in our country Ghana, our continent Africa, and across the world.”
Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, known for his selflessness and candour, was remembered as a strong leader whose approach redefined the expectations of leaders in various fields.
His courageous hands-on leadership style, coupled with his understanding of the struggles of the common man, defined his life's purpose.
“As the nation marked the third year of his passing, he would be remembered as ‘a man of the people.' Former President Rawlings was a soldier's soldier; a patriot; a fighter for the people, who loved his country deeply.”
The statement highlighted Rawlings' unwavering commitment to political and social issues affecting Ghana and other African countries.
It recalled his efforts to aid the underprivileged, citing instances such as addressing the Buruli ulcer in the 1990s and standing knee-deep in floodwaters at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The JJ Rawlings Foundation and Family urged Ghanaians to revive the spirit of nationalism and prioritize love for the country over personal pursuits and political biases.
Rawlings, it emphasized, stood for integrity, probity, accountability, equity, transparency, and selflessness.
“As we celebrate the memory of Chairman Rawlings, we pray that we will unite as a people to lift high the image of our country, pursuing Ghana's socio-economic revival and development with selflessness and purposeful devotion.”