The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, says Ghana can grow stronger if the people follow the values of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
At an event to mark what would have been Rawlings’ 78th birthday, Mr. Nketia said the NDC is “celebrating this day to remember the values our Founder stood for—probity, accountability, punctuality, positive defiance, and democracy.”
He said Ghana needs to define national values clearly. “There is no country that has developed without national values,” he noted, adding, “Let’s take the debate to Parliament and define our national values.”
Mr. Nketia stressed that everyone, no matter their position, should be accountable. “Probity and accountability should not be understood to mean accounting for money,” he explained. “If it is a position of authority… remember there will be a day that you have to explain how you used that authority.”
He also spoke on the need to speak up when leaders go wrong. “If your senior is making a mistake, you must stand up and say no. If you keep quiet and follow, you’re also guilty,” he said. “That is what President Rawlings meant by positive defiance.”
Rawlings’ children, Kimathi and Amina, were present at the event. Kimathi recalled their father’s love for fairness, development, and empowering citizens. “His leadership and legacy has left an indelible mark on our national history,” he said.
Other speakers shared memories of Rawlings’ love for humanity, discipline, and fairness. Former General Secretary, Fiifi Kwetey, added, “Rawlings was not perfect, but he had a deep love for people and the country.”