Rawlings Praised For "Relinquishing" Power

Internationally renowned Pan-African writer and historian, Professor Ali Mazrui says former President Rawlings’ transformation from a military dictator to a democratic ruler should encourage Ghanaians to sustain the current democratic system in the country. In his view, a reversal of democracy will not only be disastrous to Ghana, but to the rest of Africa who often depend on the former Gold Coast for important precedents.

Speaking on JOY-FM’s Super Morning Show, Professor Mazrui described as intriguing, Ghana’s democratic transition, which dates back to the early 1990’s. He observed that though a military leader, Flt.Lt. Rawlings successfully oversaw a democratic transition and used the ballot box to legitimize his government.

Professor Mazrui, who is also the Director of the Institute of Global and Cultural Studies of the University of New York said he was entirely surprised when the former President relinquished his hold on power.

His surprise was rather at the young age of Jerry Rawlings when he decided to leave office. “What was distinctive about him is that although he is young, he did not play around the constitution with the intention to alter it. The usefulness of such brillance when others have not done that is worth congratulating.”

Professor Mazrui said other Presidents ought to disabuse their minds that they have to be Presidents or they are nothing. He advised that former Presidents should be honoured to encourage sitting Presients to relinquish power. Professor Mazrui is currently in Ghana speaking at a series of lectures on Pan Africanism.