Whenever the June 4, 1979, revolution is discussed, one prominent name that stands out in connection with this pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic history is Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings.
Rawlings is widely recognized as the driving force behind this significant event, which was ignited by widespread dissatisfaction with government corruption and economic mismanagement under the Supreme Military Council (SMC).
On June 4, 1979, Jerry Rawlings, who had been imprisoned for an attempted coup in May of the same year, was freed by a group of junior military officers and soldiers.
Following his release, Rawlings took control of the country’s affairs, successfully overthrowing the Supreme Military Council with the support of the military.
However, this takeover brought its own set of challenges and measures for Rawlings and his team.
Immediately after seizing power, a curfew was imposed across the country, placing a significant burden on Rawlings and his officers, who had to remain vigilant, especially at night, to fend off numerous attempts to overthrow them.
A notable moment following the June 4th uprising was captured in a photograph of Jerry Rawlings taking an afternoon nap, slumped on what appeared to be a sofa.
This image was shared by an account on X (formerly Twitter); @GyapKay.
After the June 4th uprising, Jerry John Rawlings established the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and began implementing a series of radical reforms aimed at eradicating corruption and improving the nation’s economic situation.
Among his actions were the executions of several former heads of state and senior military officers who were deemed corrupt.
In 1979, Rawlings handed over power to a civilian government led by President Dr. Hilla Limann. However, he later staged another coup on December 31, 1981, ousting President Limann.
Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings served as president until 2001, initially as a military leader and later as a democratically elected president.