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Revolution and Democracy in Ghana: The Politics of Jerry Rawlings
Flight-Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings, who passed away on 12 November 2020, aged 73 years, dramatically appeared on Ghana’s political scene 40 years earlier. In May 1979, Rawlings was briefly jailed following an unsuccessful coup attempt. Rawlings and his comrades were revolted by Ghana’s corruption and economic decline at the hands of its ruling generals. A few weeks later, on 4 June 1979, Rawlings was released from prison by a group of disgruntled soldiers and took power following a successful coup d’état. Following a brief, but turbulent, few months in power, Rawlings’ Armed Forces Revolutionary Council handed over to an elected government in September 1979. Twenty-seven months later, on 31 December 1981, he was back in power, again by coup d’état. This time it was not a brief stay in the hot seat: Rawlings, leader of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), comprising three civilians and three armed forces personnel, remained in power for more than a decade. Seeking to justify the coup, Rawlings claimed that the PNDC was a necessary response to Ghana’s political and economic crisis. In January 1993, democracy returned to Ghana. Jerry Rawlings was popularly elected president twice, eventually standing down in January 2001, as the 1992 constitution demanded. Beginning his political career as a military figure with revolutionary aspirations, Rawlings ended it as a twice democratically-elected civilian president.
These are the brief facts about the political career of Flight-Lieutenant, later President, Jerry Rawlings. More than three years after his passing, Rawlings remains a pivotal, absolutely central, figure in Ghana. His enduring influence in Ghana may be second only to that of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. On the other hand, there is no more controversial figure in Ghana’s political and economic history than Rawlings. More than two decades after he left political office, nothing divides Ghanaians more than their opinions regarding him. This book seeks to explain how and why Rawlings and the PNDC progressed from an undemocratic military-based regime to laying the foundations for Ghana’s three decades of multi-party democracy. Was Rawlings a patriot who believed passionately in Ghana and did all he could to make the country succeed? Or was he a wrecker who wanted to bring the post-colonial edifice tumbling down in a misguided attempt at revolution? The aim of this book is to enable the reader to draw their own conclusions on these questions.
₵250.00 -
My Life: A Historical Narrative – Autobiography of Ivan Addae-Mensah (Hardcover)
This autobiography should be a best seller. It is a lucid, engaging, fascinating account of a very complex man with an eclectic life that the author has managed to masterfully present as a mainstream Ghanaian. It is so enjoyable to read.
Dr. Ing Kwame Boakye
Former President, Ghana Institution of Engineers
Former Vice Chairman, AT&T Paradyne, Florida, USAWith this autobiography, “My Life – A Historical Narrative”- Professor Emeritus- Ivan Addae-Mensah, the highly reputable and respected scientist and academic, has established his credentials as a writer par excellence and a master storyteller by every definition. . It is a well –written, riveting book, easy to read and absolutely interesting . I highly recommend this inspirational book.
Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere
Author, Former Chairman of the Ghana Media Commission,
Former Ghana High Commissioner to Sierra Leone and Ambassador to Côte d’IvoireDuring our university days we conferred the accolades “Versatile” and “Walking Encyclopaedia” on Emeritus Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah. Reading his book “My Life, a Historical Narrative” has confirmed that we were right. Ivan’s experiences in life, especially in the Ghana Public Service and in the political arena confirm the notion that serving one’s nation with honesty and integrity could be hazardous, but it pays. I highly recommend the book to all and sundry.
Ambassador Sir James K. Bebaako-Mensah
Former Secretary to the Cabinet, Former Secretary to President J.E.A Mills and Former Ghana Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican)In this absorbing autobiography, Emeritus Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah takes the reader on a journey through an extraordinary life that provides insights into his own life as well as Ghana’s social and political history from the 1940s till today; Written in an accessible and humorous style, this captivating chronicle is a must-read for anyone seeking to learn about Ghana’s contemporary history.
Professor Akosua Adomako Ampofo,Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana₵300.00 -
My Journey: The Life of a Health Practice Dohyen
As I went through page by page, Dr. Adibo brought to mind the vivid memories of a rural childhood that evoked the nostalgia of the formative years of those of us brought up in remote villages. It is to Dr. Moses Adibo’s immortal memory, (he is still alive as I write this) and credit that he has documented his life history so that younger generations can learn from his perseverance, experience, successes, failures, and what makes man whole. This book is a must-read for academics, policymakers, students of medicine, practicing medical professionals, Teachers, motivational speakers, and all who desire knowledge.
Eric Mensah Ametor-Quarmyne, Journalist and Retired Public Servant
How wonderful that this book has been written. Dr. Moses Adibo is a giant amongst public health figures – for saving numerous Ghanaian lives, for sparking international interest in Ghana’s Ministry of Health, and perhaps most strikingly, for encouraging health workers from Ghana and far beyond to make the best of themselves in this vital field. Male or female; doctor, nurse, or something else; Ghanaian or not, here was a public health leader who encouraged others to excel. It is no surprise that in his chapter on being Director of Medical Services, he says one of his first two thoughts on getting the job was “Let’s build a team”. This book should be a bestseller.
Dr. Catriona Waddington, Freelance Health Economist and Chair of the Fleming AMR Fund External Advisory Group
Dr. Moses Adibo has defied the social “law of gravity” to write this memoir with impeccable clarity, still in his Nineties. Once you start reading this Memoir you never want to stop. An extraordinary piece of work that vividly reflects a life of service, sacrifice, and commitment to excellence. Dr. Moses Adibo has demonstrated to the youth how to give “your all” to your country and humanity and remain sane.
Dr. Toni Aubynn Esq., Former CEO, The Minerals Commission of Ghana
Dr. Moses Adibo: a man of great vision, conviction, perseverance, and courage. His achievements are huge and wide-ranging. However, his leadership in identifying and addressing challenges in delivering health services by creating an army of highly motivated and well-trained health professionals working as teams in provinces and districts is particularly remarkable. It has been my privilege to witness Dr. Adibo’s innovative strategies coming to fruition. I am thankful that he has written a book that captures significant moments in the development of Ghana’s health system and beyond an extraordinary memoir of an extraordinary life.
Dr. Katja Janovsky, World Health Organization [WHO] Retiree
₵300.00 -
What I Choose to Remember: An Autobiography of Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng
“What l choose to Remember” is representative of the deepest essence of Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng. A free but focused mind, he chooses to share his relevant experiences at various stages in his remarkably eventful life – from Asamankese to the city of Accra, traveling extensively – which he filled with drama, scholarship, idealism, joy, pain, selflessness and passion. His media presence, to which l proudly played a role, raised his optimum self culminating in his publication entitled “ Truth Over Speed”.
The choices he presents in this book illuminate the personality who meant differently to different people, as a radical student, an ideologue and a chief.
His engaging style of writing is clearly demonstrated in this book and explains why anybody would love to read this anywhere, anytime, anyhow. This is Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng.
Hon Kojo Yankah,
Founder, African University of Communications & Business (AUCB);
Founder, Pan African Heritage Museum (PAHM);
Former Editor of the Daily Graphic & Minister of State.What I Choose to Remember is a powerful autobiography by one of Ghana’s most influential and finest media figures. The book details his leftist journey through student activism, journalism, and political advocacy. Written with humor and sharp storytelling, the book blends personal experiences with Ghana’s political historical changes, from early childhood rebellion to Marxist-Leninist student leadership, exile, human rights advocacy and his eventual return home to media work.
In addition to its captivating narrative, the book provides valuable insights for students of political history, political science, sociology, human rights, and above all else, media studies. It also highlights the author’s ideological growth, as he embraces both religion and traditional leadership in later years.
Nana K A Busia, Jr
Assistant Professor & Research Fellow, Public International Law,
School of Advanced Studies, University of London, UK;
Former Senior Legal & Policy Advisor, UN.Price range: ₵300.00 through ₵350.00What I Choose to Remember: An Autobiography of Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng
Price range: ₵300.00 through ₵350.00 -
An Aroma Of Policing: A Life Of Service In Law Enforcement and Global Peacekeeping (Hardcover)
Former Inspector General of Police of Ghana (IGP Rtd.) Mr. Mohammed A. Alhassan has written a fascinating book, set out in readable form, about a “Police Barracks boy” born into the Police and, by dint of hardwork, focus and determination, rising to the pinnacle of the Ghana Police Service.
At a time of multiple security challenges, banditry, impunity, indiscipline and the rise of various social movements, when the role of the Police in maintaining law and order has often been under scrutiny, it is refreshing to read the story of a reformist Police Officer averse to political interference, who put service to citizens, communities, integrity, competence and professionalism as the lodes star of his distinguished career.
By the time he attained the apex position, (IGP Rtd.) Alhassan had served in several senior international positions and at the United Nations Police (UNPOL) at UN Headquarters. Indeed, he played an important role together with his colleagues at the time, in its conversion from a Unit into a Division under the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
This background inspired his reforms designed to implant international best policing practices within the Ghana Police Service to make it agile, crime-prevention oriented and people friendly.
He devotes the concluding sections (pp 621-638) to Proffering bold recommendations to improve the performance of the Police. They pertain to constitutional amendments of the Police Commission, appointment of the IGP to insulate the process from parochial “partisan politics,” institutional restructuring, culture change, community policing, all women Formed Police Units to address pertinent gender issues, among others.
I fully endorse the book and recommend it as compulsory reading for Police Training Courses at all levels, but also to students of Security Sector Reform, Policy Makers, all serving personnel and the general public at large.
Mohamed Ibn Chambas
African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa, Former President ECOWAS Commission (2006-2010)
₵500.00