The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has paid glowing tribute to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings as the party marks the fifth anniversary of his passing.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the NDC described the former president as a leader whose remarkable contributions to Ghana’s development and the welfare of its people will never be forgotten.

Late former President Rawlings honoured by United Nigerian Airlines

"Today, November 12, 2025, is exactly 5 years since the passage into glory of the founding President of the 4th Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings," the statement noted.

The party added that although five years may seem short, the period has been filled with sorrow and reflection as members continue to honour his legacy.

Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is dead

"As the party, the nation, and his numerous admirers worldwide remember him for his sterling contributions to the development and welfare of our people, we in the NDC remain assured that absolutely nothing will erase his legacy from the history of Ghana," the statement emphasised.

The NDC also expressed sadness over the recent passing of the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, acknowledging her lifelong service and dedication to the nation.

"The NDC is also painfully aware that his dearly beloved wife, Her Excellency Mrs Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, has also recently passed into glory, and is yet to receive the full honours of a befitting farewell as an indelible mark of the gratitude of the people of Ghana for her memorable contributions to the nation," it noted.

The former president died on November 12, 2020, at the age of 73 and was accorded a state funeral in his honour.

Five years later, his wife, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, also passed away on October 23, 2025. The state is expected to hold a formal funeral for her on November 28, 2025.

Jerry John Rawlings first came to power in Ghana as a flight lieutenant of the Ghana Air Force following a coup d’état in 1979. Prior to that, he had led an unsuccessful coup attempt against the ruling military government on May 15, 1979, just weeks before scheduled democratic elections.

After briefly handing power over to a civilian administration, Rawlings returned to seize power again through a military coup on December 31, 1981, becoming chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).

In 1992, he resigned from the military, founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and won the presidential election that same year, becoming the first president of the Fourth Republic. He was re-elected in 1996 for a second term and, after completing his constitutionally mandated two terms, endorsed his vice president, John Atta Mills, as the NDC’s presidential candidate in 2000.

Rawlings also played a notable diplomatic role beyond Ghana’s borders, brokering a ceasefire in the First Liberian Civil War in 1995 and later serving as the African Union’s envoy to Somalia. His leadership, charisma, and enduring influence continue to shape Ghana’s political history.

Read the full statement below:



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