GENERAL NEWS

Former President Jerry John Rawlings dies Aged 73

Published

4 years ago

11/12/2020

Lionel

Former President Jerry John Rawlings is dead, GhanaWeb can confirm.

The former president GhanaWeb understands passed on, today, November 12, 2020, after a brief illness.

According to state-owned Daily Graphic, the former President had been on admission at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for about a week for an undisclosed ailment. He was 73.

It will be recalled that Mr Rawlings recently lost and buried his mother last month.

Jerry John Rawlings was born in Accra on 22nd June 1947, to a Ghanaian mother from Dzelukope, near Keta, in the Volta Region, and a Scottish father.

He was educated at Achimota School where he obtained his General Certificate of Education ‘O’ Level in 1966.

He enlisted as a Flight Cadet in the Ghana Air Force in August 1967, and was subsequently selected for officer cadet training at the Ghana Military Academy and Training School, Teshie, in Accra.

In March 1968, he was posted to Takoradi in the Western Region to continue his course.

He passed out in January 1969, as a commissioned Pilot Officer. He won the coveted “Speed Bird Trophy” as the best cadet in flying and airmanship.

He earned the rank of Flight-Lieutenant in April 1978. He was an efficient officer with a close rapport with his men.

During his service with the Ghana Air Force, he witnessed the deterioration of discipline and morale, reflecting the corruption of the regime of the Supreme Military Council (SMC) at that time.

As promotion brought him into contact with the privileged classes and their social values, his awareness of the injustices in society was sharpened.

He was thus regarded with some unease by the SMC. He read widely and discussed social and political ideas with a growing circle of like-minded friends and colleagues.

On May 28, 1979, Flt.-Lt. Rawlings, together with six others, appeared before a General Court Martial in Accra, charged with leading a mutiny of junior officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces on 15th May, 1979. There was strong public reaction, especially after his statement had been read in court, explaining the social injustices that had prompted him to act.

The ranks of the Armed Forces, in particular, expressed deep sympathy with his stated aims. When he was scheduled for another court appearance on 4th June, 1979, Flt.-Lt. Rawlings was sprung from custody. With the support of both military and civilians, he led a revolt, which decisively ousted the Supreme Military Council from office and brought the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) into being.

The AFRC, under the chairmanship of Flt.Lt. Rawlings carried out a “house-cleaning exercise” aimed at purging the Armed Forces and society at large of corruption and graft as well as restoring a sense of moral responsibility and the principles of accountability and probity in public life.

Meanwhile, following the programme already set in motion before the 4th June Uprising for civilian administration, general elections were held.

On 24th September 1979, the AFRC handed over to the civilian Government of the People’s National Party (PNP) under President Hilla Limann.

On 31st December 1981, Flt. Lt. Rawlings led a section of the Armed Forces to overthrow the PNP administration. A Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), composed of both civilian and military members, was established, with Flt-Lt. J.J. Rawlings as the Chairman.

His interests include reading, building model aircraft, horse-riding and swimming. He is married to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings with whom he has four children – three girls and a boy.

Flt-Lt. Rawlings ceased to be a member of the Ghana Armed Forces with effect from September 14, 1992. He formed the National Democratic Congress, which contested and won the 1992 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. He and the party again won the 1996 elections.

His term of office ended in the year 2000.

He is the joint recipient of the 1993 World Hunger Prize. He holds an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from Medgar Evers College, City University of New York and Lincoln University Doctorate Degree for Diplomacy and Development.

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

GENERAL NEWS

DEBUT ALBUM: Miriam Mandipira & The Soul Family

Published

1 week ago

07/16/2024

Lionel

DEBUT ALBUM by Miriam Mandipira & The Soul Family!
You’ve never heard a voice like Miriam Mandipira’s. Undeservedly, she doesn’t take credit for the power or presence she delivers. For Miriam, music is much more than just notes and words. It’s
magic. And faith. You can experience it LIVE and on the album, which is set to be released on September 1st.

She has been singing for as long as she can remember, growing up with her ears glued to the radio.

From the moment her school teacher asked her to sing in class, the rest has been history. From Africa to Denmark, from Book Café in Harare to Mojo Blues Bar and the big concert halls. From
Danish Radio Big Band to the Royal Theater. Music is music, and Miriam is the music.

“But it’s not about me when I sing. I’m just the instrument, and when I’m on stage with my band, I sing from a place that’s not about rules and technique but about emotions,” says the singer, who is
seriously trying her hand at songwriting – together with her Soul Family on the album “Ndiwe”, which means ‘you are the chosen one of my heart.’ The overall message is impossible to ignore
Love.

“Call me a soul singer, call me a jazz singer. I don’t care. Good music is good music, and I love interpreting other people’s songs and being inspired. At the same time, I think it’s great to try my
hand at creating and writing the songs myself – and with my friends in the Soul Family, I have found my place. They are my family, and the curiosity and respect we share are fantastic.”

You can experience that up close when Miriam & The Soul Family take the stage. The enthusiasm for music and communication is impossible to ignore and hear.

“I love to maintain the feeling of being a child. It’s an excitement and curiosity that keeps me going, and that’s why I’m so excited about every single concert – no matter how small or large it is.

Otherwise, I would never do it. This is not just a casual thing. This is a life, and everything means something,” says Miriam, who began her years in Denmark by jamming at Mojo Blues Bar, building a network.

Enjoy

ENTERTAINMENT

Bnoskka and Apprise Music Join Forces To Launch IP Zone Podcast

Published

2 months ago

05/27/2024

Lionel

Bnoskka, a leading creative arts business and intellectual property consultant, is excited to announce its collaboration with Apprise Music, a renowned music publishing and distribution company, to launch the IP Zone Podcast. Hosted by Bnoskka, the podcast is now streaming on YouTube, Spotify and all major streaming platforms.

IP Zone Podcast delves into the fascinating world of intellectual property, creativity, and innovation, featuring insightful conversations with industry experts, artists, and thought leaders. With a focus on the music and creative industries, the podcast explores the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in intellectual property, copyright, and innovation.

“I am thrilled to partner with Apprise Music to bring IP Zone Podcast to the public,” said Bnoskka. “Our goal is to create an engaging and informative platform that sparks meaningful discussions and inspires creativity. We believe that intellectual property is at the heart of innovation, and we’re excited to share this journey with our audience.”

“Apprise Music is dedicated to empowering creatives and artists to protect and monetize their intellectual property,” said Mr. Michael Bamfo, CEO of Apprise Music. “We’re proud to collaborate with Bnoskka on IP Zone Podcast, and we look forward to sharing our expertise and insights with the creative community.”

Tune in to IP Zone Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other popular streaming platforms.

Subscribe now and join the conversations.

Contact:
Mr. Michael Bamfo
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +233 24 502 4002

About Bnoskka:
Bnoskka is a creative arts business and intellectual property consultant dedicated to empowering creatives and businesses to protect, monetize, and grow their intellectual property.

About Apprise Music:
Apprise Music is a music publishing and distribution company committed to supporting artists and creatives in the music industry.