The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday commemorated what would have been the 78th birthday of its founder, the late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, with a solemn yet inspiring event centred on rekindling the core values that defined his life—probity, accountability, patriotism, punctuality, and positive defiance.

The ceremony, held under the theme of reflection and recommitment, brought together party stalwarts, family members, and supporters to celebrate the enduring legacy of Ghana’s former President.

In his keynote address, NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia emphasised that the commemoration was not just to honour Rawlings, but to initiate a national conversation on values that should underpin Ghana’s development.

“There is no country that has developed without national values,” Nketia said.

“We speak of Rawlings’ legacy, but what are Ghana’s national values today?

What do we stand for as a people?”

He proposed a formal discussion—possibly in Parliament—toward adopting a clearly defined national code of conduct rooted in the values exemplified by leaders like Rawlings.

Such shared standards, he argued, would enable citizens to hold both leaders and themselves accountable.

Highlighting Rawlings’ belief in positive defiance, the NDC Chairman said the youth must learn the moral courage to challenge wrongdoing, even when it emanates from authority.

“Rawlings was never afraid to speak truth to power—even when the power was his own.

He believed in standing for what was right, not what was easy.”

Mr Nketia also praised Rawlings' legendary punctuality, his passion for democratic governance, and his call for lifestyle audits to ensure public officials lived within their means.

Speaking on behalf of the Rawlings family, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, joined by his sister Amina, expressed gratitude to the NDC for preserving their father's vision and legacy.

“His courage, justice, and dedication to ordinary Ghanaians are immortalised in the directive principles of state policy,” Kimathi said, adding that Rawlings’ belief in grassroots democracy led to the creation of Ghana’s Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.

NDC General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey described Rawlings as a man of divine purpose, whose passion for people and justice transcended his flaws.

“Rawlings always believed in the sovereignty of the human spirit,” Kwetey said.

“He was a man born to reset Ghana. That prophecy, first spoken in 1972, was fulfilled through him.”

He urged the party to lead a new national awakening by returning to the values Rawlings championed.

The event featured tributes from prominent NDC figures, including former Chief of Staff Nana Ato Dadzie, Naval Captain Asaasie Gyimah, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Dr. Christine Amoako-Nuamah, Madam Akua Sena Dansua, and Chief Bawumia of the NDC Council of Elders.