Jerry John Rawlings remains one of Ghana’s most influential and controversial figures. His legacy has sparked fierce debates—some laud him as a savior who rescued Ghana from chaos, while others view him as a ruthless military leader. However, much of the narrative around Rawlings has been skewed, particularly regarding his military rule and the events that led to his rise to power. It’s time to set the record straight and understand the truth behind the man who shaped Ghana’s modern political landscape.
Rawlings Was Not a Murderer: A Story of Survival and Political Transformation
Contrary to popular belief, J.J. Rawlings was not a murderer under military rule. Before the infamous June 4th Uprising in 1979, Rawlings’ life was one of survival, courage, and the brutal realities of the military world. His rise to power was not driven by malice, but by a series of dramatic events that were largely beyond his control.
From Conviction to the Brink of Execution
In the years leading up to his rise, Rawlings was a young officer in the Ghanaian Air Force who found himself on the wrong side of the military establishment. In 1979, after a failed coup attempt, he was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to death by firing squad. At the time, the Supreme Military Council (SMC) held the power, and Rawlings was condemned to die—a fate that seemed inevitable.
A “Military Prescription” and Rawlings’ Escape
As Rawlings awaited his execution, the fate of his life hung in the balance. During this time, Rawlings endured severe torture—his body was bruised and blood oozed from his ears, nostrils, and mouth. It was in this dire moment that his fate took an unexpected turn. On June 4, 1979, with the help of fellow soldiers, Rawlings escaped imprisonment and swiftly led a successful coup that overthrew the SMC.
Over 85% of Ghanaians supported Rawlings’ takeover, with many chanting “Let the blood flow!” in response to the corruption and mismanagement of the military government. What Rawlings did after the overthrow was both simple and symbolic. He returned the same “military medical prescription” for execution that had been prepared for him, but this time, he served it to those who had sentenced him to death. In military parlance, this is not murder—it’s merely part of the system of “soldier go, soldier come.”
The Military’s Brutal Code: Execution for Failure, Power for Success
In the harsh world of military coups, failure often means execution. A failed coup is punished by hanging or execution by firing squad. However, success in a coup guarantees power, and Rawlings’ success transformed him from a condemned man to the new leader of Ghana. His rule was legitimized by the same military system that had once ordered his execution.
Understanding the SMC’s Role in Rawlings’ Execution Prescription
It’s crucial to remember that the senior military officers, including three former heads of state, who were executed under Rawlings’ leadership, were all part of the SMC—the very group that had condemned him to death. These officers were responsible for Rawlings’ death sentence, and in a military context, what Rawlings did was not an act of murder, but a political and military necessity.
A Lucky Man, Not a Murderer
In truth, Rawlings was a lucky man. He managed to escape his execution and took control of the country, not out of a desire for vengeance, but because of the volatile political circumstances. His rise to power was shaped by the harsh realities of military politics, where coups were a common means of resolving conflicts. No military officer would refer to Rawlings as a murderer. He was a survivor who navigated a dangerous and unforgiving world of military rule.
The Legacy of J.J. Rawlings: A Transformative Leader with a Controversial Reign
While Rawlings’ leadership has undoubtedly been controversial, there is no denying the transformative impact he had on Ghana. After his military coups, Rawlings led the country through a period of economic reform, anti-corruption measures, and social programs that improved the lives of many Ghanaians. His leadership paved the way for the transition to democracy in 1992, making him the only Ghanaian military leader to oversee such a change.
Rawlings’ tenure was marked by a mix of authoritarianism and reforms. His government tackled the corruption and instability that had plagued Ghana for years, bringing order and prosperity. Yet, his rule was also characterized by human rights violations and political executions. Despite these dark chapters, Rawlings remains a polarizing figure—some view him as a hero who saved Ghana from the brink of collapse, while others criticize his harsh methods.
Conclusion: Reassessing Rawlings’ Role in Ghana’s History
J.J. Rawlings was not the villain many have made him out to be. His rise to power and his actions were shaped by the brutal and unforgiving nature of military politics, where survival often means making difficult and dangerous decisions. Rawlings was not driven by a desire to kill or harm; he was driven by the need to survive in a world where military coups were the norm.
His legacy, while controversial, is a crucial chapter in Ghana’s history. He led the country through one of its most turbulent times and helped bring about political stability and prosperity. Despite his authoritarian approach, Rawlings’ influence on Ghana’s political landscape cannot be denied. His story is one of resilience and political survival, not murder.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Acheampong Isaac
