The late former president and founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, would have turned 79 on June 22 if he were alive. Hence, in honour of him, the party is renaming its headquarters after him.

The party announced this in a statement signed by the NDC’s Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, who described the commemoration as an opportunity to reflect on Rawlings’ role in Ghana’s political transformation and his lasting influence on the country’s democratic journey.

“This commemoration is not just a remembrance of our founder, but an opportunity to reflect on his pivotal role in Ghana’s political transformation and to recommit ourselves to the democratic ideals he championed,” parts of the statement said.

Aside from the renaming, there is a line-up of commemorative activities the party, in collaboration with the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, will hold on Monday, June 22.The events, which are expected to attract senior government officials, party executives, supporters, political activists and members of the public, will be held under the theme: “From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy.”

Major event of the dayThe event, slated for 9 in the morning, will begin at the party’s headquarters in Accra, which will be named after its founder, and a bust in his honour will also be unveiled.

Ghana’s President John Mahama is expected to lead the ceremony and pay homage to the man whose contribution to Ghana’s current democratic landscape cannot be overlooked.

Other leading figures of the governing party are also expected to address the gathering and reflect on Rawlings’ contributions to national development, democratic governance and the growth of the NDC.

After the unveiling, a commemorative public lecture and exhibition will be held later in the day, around 4 pm, at the auditorium of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra, to showcase the life and legacy of the former President.

At the lecture, lawyer and academic Tsatsu Tsikata will deliver the keynote address, focusing on the historical significance of Rawlings’ political journey and his impact on Ghana’s transition from military rule to constitutional democracy.

The programme will also feature presentations by former Minister for Local Government and current Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, and former Minister for Information and National Security, Mr Kofi Totobi Quakyi, both of whom worked closely with the late statesman.

Second phase of the exhibitionFollowing Justice Tsikata and the close statesmen to the late president,  a second phase of the exhibition will follow with a showcase of photographs, documents and memorabilia chronicling Rawlings’ life, political career and contributions to Ghana’s democratic development.

Honouring a lasting legacy

Flt Lt Rawlings, who founded the NDC in 1992, remains one of the most influential figures in Ghana’s political history. He led the country as Head of State under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and later served two constitutional terms as President under the Fourth Republic.

Before this announcement, the NDC in mid-May announced that it would rename the party's headquarters after the late president.

This was confirmed by the party’s General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, during a media briefing where he was officially announcing activities for the NDC Month of June 2026, citing that the annual observance is dedicated to reflection, remembrance, recommitment and renewal of the ideals upon which the party was founded.

He indicated that the headquarters will now be known as “Rawlings House” as part of activities marking the 2026 NDC Month celebration.

Mr Kwetey said, “The National Democratic Congress has declared the month of June every year as NDC Month, a period dedicated to reflection, remembrance, recommitment and renewal of the ideals that gave birth to our great Party and continue to shape our collective political tradition. This year’s NDC Month begins today, the 15th of May 2026, a date of profound historical significance.

May 15 represents an important precursor to the political evolution that birthed the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and, subsequently, the National Democratic Congress. It is therefore fitting that we commence this national observance from today, as we retrace the path of sacrifice, patriotism, accountability and social justice that has defined our political tradition.”

Mr Kwetey noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Strengthening State Institutions: Lessons from the June 4, 1979 Uprising,” reflects the party’s commitment to accountability, integrity, discipline and social justice.

“The June 4 uprising was not merely an event in history. It represented a demand for integrity in public life, accountability in governance, discipline in leadership, social equity and responsible stewardship of state resources,” he stated.