Whenever the June 4, 1979, revolution is mentioned, a notable name associated with the events leading up to what many believe was a turning point in Ghana’s democratic history comes to mind.
Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings is credited with being the mastermind behind the significant event, which was sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with government corruption and economic mismanagement under the ruling Supreme Military Council (SMC).
The uprising on June 4, 1979, saw Jerry Rawlings, who had previously been imprisoned for an attempted coup in May 1979, being freed by a group of junior military officers and soldiers.
In the wake of this development, Jerry Rawlings took charge of the country’s affairs and ousted the Supreme Military Council with the help of military officers.
However, this action would come with some consequences and mitigation measures for Rawlings and his team.
Right after taking charge, a curfew was imposed on the country, taking a significant toll on Rawlings and his officers who had to be on constant alert, especially at night, in order to fend off the many attempts to also oust them.
A key moment in the wake of the June 4th uprising emerged with Jerry Rawlings captured taking an afternoon nap.
In the photo, he was slumped in what seemed to be a sofa.
The image was shared by an account on X (Formerly Twitter); @GyapKay.
After the June 4th uprising, Jerry John Rawlings set up the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and initiated a series of radical reforms aimed at purging corruption and improving the economic situation in the country.
Other actions taken by Rawlings included the execution of several former heads of state and senior military officers who were deemed corrupt.
That same year in 1979, Rawlings handed over power to a civilian government led by President Dr Hilla Limann. He later ousted President Limann in another coup staged on December 31, 1981.
Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings served as president until 2001, first as a military leader and then as a democratically elected president.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
