The decision to name the National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters in Adabraka after the party’s founder, the late President Jerry John Rawlings, has been met with widespread commendation, particularly from those who have long advocated for appropriate recognition of past leaders. This move follows closely on the heels of another significant renaming, that of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) to the John Evans Atta-Mills University of Health and Allied Sciences, in honor of the late President who established the institution. Both decisions reflect a growing trend within the NDC to formally acknowledge the contributions of key figures in the party’s history.
Koku Anyidoho, a former aide and spokesperson for President Atta-Mills, expressed strong support for the decision to name the NDC headquarters after Rawlings. He described the move as “excellent” and a vindication of his long-held belief in the importance of honoring past leaders. Anyidoho highlighted the significance of the headquarters building as a lasting legacy of President Atta-Mills, who initiated its construction after the NDC’s victory in the 2008 general elections. He views this act of recognition as a positive step towards party unity and a healthy precedent for honoring current and future leaders.
Anyidoho’s satisfaction stems from the perceived shift towards a more proactive approach to recognizing the contributions of both Presidents Rawlings and Atta-Mills. He had previously expressed concern over what he considered a lack of adequate recognition for these pivotal figures. The current decision, in his view, signifies a move towards greater unity and a more positive outlook for the party. He further lauded the party’s commitment to due process, highlighting the Functional Executive Committee’s (FEC) intention to seek approval from the National Executive Committee (NEC) on the matter.
Addressing potential concerns about the building not being named after President Atta-Mills, who oversaw its construction, Anyidoho emphasized Atta-Mills’ profound respect for Rawlings. He pointed out that Atta-Mills consistently acknowledged Rawlings’ role in his political career, from his appointment as running mate in 1996 to his eventual presidency in 2009. Anyidoho believes that Atta-Mills himself would have supported naming the headquarters after Rawlings, recognizing Rawlings’ foundational role in the party’s formation and ideology. He underscores the importance of acknowledging Rawlings’ indelible mark on the NDC’s history.
The NDC, founded in 1992, has consistently recognized Jerry John Rawlings as its founder. His ideals and vision have shaped the party’s philosophy and guided its trajectory since its inception. The decision to name the party headquarters after him solidifies his place as the cornerstone of the NDC, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire and inform the party’s future endeavors.
This move to honor Rawlings represents more than just a symbolic gesture. It serves as a powerful reminder of the party’s core values and the principles upon which it was built. By acknowledging the contributions of its founding father, the NDC reaffirms its commitment to the ideals of social justice, probity, and accountability that Rawlings championed. The naming of the headquarters serves as a tangible link to the party’s origins and a source of inspiration for its future generations of leaders. It reinforces the importance of honoring the past while striving to build a better future, guided by the principles that have defined the NDC since its inception.
