Dramani Mahama has called on members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to uphold the values of integrity, sacrifice, patriotism and service exemplified by the party’s founder, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, as the party officially renamed its national headquarters in his honour and unveiled a bust to preserve his legacy.
Speaking at the historic ceremony, President Mahama described the event as more than the renaming of a building or the unveiling of a monument, saying it was an opportunity to preserve history, honour sacrifice and recommit the party to the ideals that have sustained its political tradition over the decades.
He said political movements derive their strength not only from organisational structures but also from the principles, convictions and leadership that inspire their members.
Read Also:Â Mahama Urges NDC Unity at Rawlings Memorial
President Mahama paid glowing tribute to Rawlings, describing him as a transformative leader whose courage, commitment to accountability, social justice and national service laid the foundation for Ghana’s democratic stability and political freedoms.
According to him, naming the party headquarters after Rawlings serves as a constant reminder that leadership is about service and that political power must always be exercised in the interest of the people.
“This headquarters is more than an administrative facility. It is the operational heart of our party where ideas are debated, policies are formulated and strategies are developed to serve the people of Ghana,” he said. https://environmentalguidenews.com/wp-admin
The President noted that the unveiling of Rawlings’ bust would inspire current and future generations to embrace courage, discipline and dedication to national development.
Reflecting on Rawlings’ humility, Mahama revealed that the late former President consistently rejected attempts to have major national institutions named after him during his lifetime.
He recalled that Rawlings declined the proposal to name the University for Development Studies after him despite donating his World Food Prize money as seed funding for the institution. He also rejected a proposal to name the FPSO for the ENI Sankofa oil field after him, insisting that he preferred “to have my name inscribed in the minds and hearts of men than on statues and monuments.”
President Mahama observed that Rawlings, known for his philosophical reflections, was neither vain nor ostentatious, adding that the late statesman would likely have been uncomfortable with the ceremony held in his honour.
The President also used the occasion to rally members of the NDC around the party’s mission and the government’s development agenda.
He said Ghanaians have placed their hopes in the current administration to create jobs, stabilise the economy, improve healthcare and education, strengthen institutions and govern with integrity and competence.
Mahama assured the nation that his government remains committed to implementing policies that expand opportunities for young people, support businesses, reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of all Ghanaians.
He further urged party members to preserve unity, avoid internal divisions and place the collective interest above personal ambitions, stressing that unity remains the NDC’s greatest strength.
“The best tribute we can pay to those who built this tradition is to preserve its unity and strengthen its institutions,” he said.
President Mahama congratulated the
National Chairman, General Secretary, Council of Elders and members of the NDC for organising the event and expressed hope that the renamed headquarters would remain a lasting symbol of unity, service and dedication to the Ghanaian people.
