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Rawlings' Name Removal Sparks Ghana Debate

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 11:41 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Accra, Ghana - February 4th, 2026 - A proposal by Ama Daaku, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to remove the name of former President Jerry John Rawlings from national monuments has ignited a fierce national debate, exposing deep-seated political divisions and raising critical questions about how Ghana commemorates its complex history. Daaku's statement, made during a political rally in the Eastern Region on Monday, has been met with widespread condemnation from members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), civil society groups, and even some within the NPP itself.

Daaku, a vocal advocate for the NPP's ideology, justified her position by alleging a systemic bias in the current naming of national infrastructure and monuments towards the NDC, and specifically towards Rawlings, who served as Ghana's president from 1979 to 1981 and from 1981 to 2001. She argues that while Rawlings played a significant role in Ghanaian history, focusing solely on his contributions overlooks the legacies of other equally deserving national figures. "It's a matter of principle," Daaku stated in a subsequent interview with Joy News. "For too long, we've seen a disproportionate emphasis on Rawlings and the NDC. We need a more balanced and inclusive approach to honoring those who have shaped our nation."

The proposal has immediately drawn significant backlash. The NDC has labelled Daaku's comments as "deeply disrespectful" and "a calculated attempt to erase Rawlings' legacy." Party spokesperson, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, released a statement calling for Daaku to retract her statements and for the NPP leadership to publicly distance themselves from her remarks. "Rawlings was a pivotal figure in Ghana's post-colonial history. His contributions, both positive and negative, are undeniable and deserve to be acknowledged. To attempt to rewrite history based on political affiliation is not only dangerous but also deeply irresponsible," Ofosu-Ampofo argued.

The controversy extends beyond partisan politics. Historians and cultural commentators have weighed in, highlighting the sensitivity of dealing with a figure as complex as Rawlings. Rawlings's rule was marked by both significant economic reforms and periods of political repression. His military interventions, particularly the 1979 coup and the subsequent Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) regime, remain deeply contentious. While credited with stabilizing the economy and promoting infrastructure development, he also faced accusations of human rights abuses and suppressing dissent.

Dr. Kwesi Addy, a professor of African history at the University of Ghana, Legon, suggests the debate represents a broader struggle over national identity and historical narrative. "Ghana, like many post-colonial nations, is still grappling with how to reconcile its past. There's a constant tension between celebrating national heroes and acknowledging the darker aspects of their legacies. Removing Rawlings' name isn't the solution; it's about having honest and open conversations about his impact, both good and bad."

The discussion is also prompting a wider review of how Ghana names its public spaces and monuments. Currently, several key national assets bear Rawlings' name, including the Accra Sports Stadium (renamed after him in 2002) and numerous schools and roads. Opponents of Daaku's proposal suggest a more constructive approach would be to broaden the recognition of other historical figures, rather than erase existing tributes.

Some observers point to a growing trend globally of re-evaluating historical figures in light of contemporary values, including the removal of statues of controversial figures linked to colonialism and slavery. However, they argue that Ghana's situation is different, as Rawlings was a domestically-grown leader whose legacy is interwoven with the nation's modern development.

The NPP has yet to officially respond to Daaku's remarks. Sources within the party indicate a split, with some members quietly supporting Daaku's call for a more "balanced" approach to historical recognition, while others fear the controversy will further polarize the electorate as the nation approaches the 2028 general elections. The debate is likely to continue intensifying in the coming weeks, forcing a reckoning with Ghana's past and its ongoing efforts to forge a unified national identity.