June 4th Revolution: let Rawlings values fuel our desire for change – Fifi Kwetey

The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has urged Ghanaians and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to focus on the values that propelled the late Jerry John Rawlings to stage an uprising in 1979.

In a message to Ghanaians on the 45th anniversary of June 4th, Fifi Kwetey said the courageous efforts of Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings changed the direction of Ghana, positioning it for growth and “people-powered governance.”

“Today, June 4th, resonates deeply within the hearts of every member of our great party and the entire nation of Ghana. This day commemorates the courageous uprising led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, which decisively redirected our country’s course towards justice, probity, accountability and people-powered governance’.

The NDC General Secretary said the current situation in Ghana is regrettably worse than in 1979. He said corruption has colonized the nation while economic hardship and injustice have become the norm.

“Tragically, the very scourges June 4th aimed to eradicate are now more rampant under the current administration of Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia. Our nation is besieged by corruption, perpetuated by those in power, who show a blatant disregard for the struggling masses. The Ghanaian people endure escalating economic hardships, pervasive social injustices, and a glaring absence of accountability. The cry for change is not just audible; it is thunderous,” he added.

He appealed to Ghanaians to be inspired by the values of Rawlings to make a change. Fifi Kwetey added that it is a duty to the nation and future generations that every Ghanaian acts right to free the country from its current bondage.

“As we confront the challenges of today, let the values championed by Rawlings fuel our desire for change and guide our actions. It is our time to demand more, to expect more, and to achieve more for Ghana. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to reclaim the promise of our nation, ensuring that governance is once again wielded as a tool for the people, by the people,” he concluded on his Facebook post.

Background of June 4th

In 1979, Jerry John Rawlings and some other junior military men staged an uprising on June 4th to protest economic hardships. The junior officers led by Rawlings attempted a coup on May 15 1979 and were arrested and put on trial. Their reason for the coup attempt was a disagreement between the junior and senior ranks. The junior ranks were owed salaries.

Rawlings took responsibility for the attempted coup and asked that his colleagues be released. He was then tried, publicly sentenced to death and imprisoned. During the trial, he successfully turned the case in his favour by accusing the government of corruption. Nonetheless, he was convicted.