Koku: I believe the renaming of the headquarters after Rawlings will walk the NDC onto more solid grounds of unity

Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has commended the leadership of the NDC for renaming the party's headquarters after its Founder, the late Former President Jerry John Rawlings.

He expressed the hope that this action by the leadership of the party will help the NDC walk onto more solid grounds of party unity.

In a post on his X page on Monday, June 22, he said, "Today, June 22, marks the birthdate of the Founder of the NDC, President Jerry John Rawlings, and a very significant Event is taking place at the Headquarters of the Party to name the building after the Founder.

"The building remains one of the most significant monuments built for the Party by President John Evans Atta-Mills - humbly so, I was a deep insider. I know for sure that the soul of President Atta-Mills would be smiling that in death, the lasting legacy he gave the NDC is the symbol being used in honoring the man who gave him the opportunity to become Vice President - creating the opportunity to serve as President of the Republic of Ghana.

"I know it for a fact that President Atta-Mills never stopped being grateful to President Rawlings for the opportunity given to serve as Vice President which made it possible to lead the NDC. Welldone to the Leadership of the NDC for making it possible to etch the name of Jerry John Rawlings firmly on the image of the NDC. I have just been told that National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has announced that when the NDC finally puts up structures to house the Party School (I was very key in setting it up as Deputy General Secretary because President Atta-Mills and Professor Kofi Awoonor birthed the idea), it would be named after President Atta-Mills. Bravo. I believe that this Event today, will walk the NDC onto more solid grounds of party unity."

The NDC unveiled a bust in his honour as part of activities marking what would have been his 79th birthday.

The ceremony formed part of a series of events organised in conjunction with the J.J. Rawlings Foundation to commemorate the founding father's legacy, five years and seven months after his passing.

Held under the theme, "From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy," the event celebrated the life, leadership and contributions of the late statesman to Ghana's political evolution and democratic governance.

The day's activities began with the official renaming of the party's headquarters as "Jerry Rawlings House," a symbolic gesture aimed at preserving the memory of the man widely credited with founding the NDC and shaping the country's Fourth Republic. This was followed by the unveiling of a bust in his honour at the headquarters.

Senior party officials, supporters and dignitaries gathered for the ceremony, which highlighted Rawlings' influence on Ghana's democratic journey and the continued relevance of his ideals within the party.

NDC names HQ "Jerry Rawlings House," unveils bust on founder's 79th birthday

Rawlings, who died in November 2020, remains one of the most influential figures in Ghana's contemporary political history.

He led the country first as a military ruler before overseeing the transition to constitutional rule, going on to serve as Ghana's first President under the Fourth Republic from 1993 to 2001.