The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has described Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, former President of the Republic of Ghana, as a great asset to the nation whose legacy continues to shape Ghana’s democratic journey.

Speaking at the unveiling of a statue in honour of the late former President on Wednesday, 7th January 2026, at Dzelukope in the Keta Municipality, Hon. Gunu noted that although President Rawlings is no longer with the nation physically, his principles, values, and good works remain alive and relevant. He commended the organisers for preserving Ghana’s history through symbols that will inspire future generations to uphold integrity, accountability, and selfless leadership.

The ceremony brought together traditional authorities, political leaders, family members of the late President, and members of the public to celebrate the enduring legacy of one of Ghana’s most influential leaders.

Delivering a statement on “The Man – Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings”, Dr. Senanu Dzokoto described the late President as a revolutionary, a statesman, and a man of the people, whose life was defined by integrity, courage, accountability, and social justice. He recalled that Flt. Lt. Rawlings, born on 22nd June 1947, championed numerous transformational projects and reforms aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

Dr. Dzokoto noted that although President Rawlings often said he preferred to live in the hearts of the people rather than in monuments, the statue stands as a powerful symbol of his ideals, sacrifices, and enduring influence.

Speaking on behalf of the Rawlings family, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey and daughter of the late President, said the statue is not merely a physical structure but a call to action. She explained that it should inspire Ghanaians to live by the ideals her father stood for—accountability, transparency, dedication to country, humility in service, and selfless leadership.

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, underscored the importance of honouring national heroes, stating that “a nation that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for.”

He recounted how President Rawlings consistently declined honours during his lifetime, including having institutions named after him, choosing instead to remain deeply connected to the people. He cited the University for Development Studies (UDS), founded by President Rawlings, which he refused to have named after himself because of his commitment to the development of the northern sector.

Hon. Asiedu Nketia noted that the statue will serve as a lasting reminder to the younger generation and those who did not experience the Rawlings era to appreciate his values and contributions. He further revealed that the NDC has resolved to name its national headquarters “JJ Rawlings House.” He observed that the ceremony coincided significantly with 33 years since Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings was sworn in as the first President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.

The ceremony was attended by His Royal Majesty Togbi Sri III, the Regional Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Mawutor Agbavitor, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Member of Parliament for Keta, Hon. Kwame Gakpe, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings, Kimathi Rawlings, heads of institutions, party officials, and members of the public.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the statue and the laying of wreaths in honour of the late former President.