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“What counts in life is not the mere fact of having lived. It is the difference we have made in the lives of others that will determine the meaning of the life we lead ”- Nelson Mandela.
It is with the greatest sadness that we learn of the unexpected disappearance of the founder of our political party, the National Democratic Congress, and of the first president of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Flight Lieutenant Jerry John (JJ) Rawlings.
When the news broke, some of us quickly dismissed it as one of the fake news that has characterized contemporary social media distribution. However, it quickly became clear that death has, in fact, laid icy hands on our founder and former president.
The South African Chapter of the Democratic National Congress mourns the nation, the Democratic National Congress, and family and friends of the late former president. We also take this opportunity to celebrate the life of this great man who once graced the political corridors of our country and led a renaissance of the art of government and political stability that gave birth to the fourth republic and made Ghana a model of multiparty democracy in Africa.
As Nelson Mandela said, “true leaders must be willing to sacrifice everything for the freedom of their people.” Former President JJ Rawlings personified this. Not only would he be fondly remembered forever as someone who risked his life to save the country from depression from an economic and social quagmire, but more importantly as the father of the fourth republic of Ghana.
His place in Ghana’s history would only be surpassed by the first president, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah. ‘A man of the people’, ‘friend of the poor’, ‘voice of the voiceless’, ‘avid fighter of corruption and injustice’ are some of the fitting accolades that resonate with who SE JJ Rawlings was and why would be remembered. His vision, his proposed values and his leadership made a lasting difference in our country and in the lives of many people. You are true, a legend!
As Nelson Mandela said: “When a man has done what he considers his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. Former President JJ Rawlings, you have done your duty to your people and your country, and therefore we wish you a good night’s sleep for all eternity.
We will carry on your ideals and fight and strive to protect your legacy for a better Ghana!
Long live the SA Chapter of the Democratic National Congress!
Long live the Democratic National Congress !!
Long live the nation of Ghana !!!
Signed
Daniel Kofi Maduku, (Ph.D.).
Acting President
Chapter NDC SA.
