7 quotes from Ex- President Jerry John Rawlings we love

Portia Arthur

June 22, 2017 10:07 AM

Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings is a year older today, June 22, 2017.

The former head of state and president of Ghana, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings is a year older today, June 22, 2017.

He was born in Accra, Ghana to Victoria Agbotui and James Ramsey John, a chemist from the United Kingdom.

Rawlings attended Achimota School.

Rawlings is married to Nana Konadu Agyeman and they have three daughters namely Ezanetor Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, Amina Rawlings; and one son, Kimathi Rawlings.

As he celebrates his 70th birthday today, we have selected 7 of his quotes that we love.

1. "I, Rawlings will not turn round and commit the very crime for which another man lost his life"- John Jerry Rawlings

2. "I would dare you to go and line up some of your finest policemen, some of your finest head of states, some of your finest, what you call it “judges”, make any allegations against me. You included. One of the questions you want to ask. Take me through a chemical interrogation, I will be the one who will pass. I wonder how many of you will pass" - John Jerry Rawlings

3. The test of religious belief is not in pious platitudes and cautious charity, but in positive and creative action" - John Jerry Rawlings

4. “Food is a political weapon…Africa’s foremost defence is self-sufficiency in food. Until we attain a substantial measure of freedom from food dependency, we are vulnerable to manipulation by the wealthier nations"- John Jerry Rawlings

5. “The most dangerous mistake of any political force is to forget its roots" - John Jerry Rawlings

6. “Whatever form of government we adopt as a people to suit our peculiar circumstances, our basic tenet is our common yearning and concern for every individual; for politics, whatever its colour must be an avenue to serve our fellowmen" - John Jerry Rawlings

7. "It is not the absence of military interventions, which we seem to have achieved that will restore democracy, freedom, justice and development. What is required is the integrity of leadership and ability to empower the people. Leadership should have confidence in our people and not feel intimidated by empowering them" - John Jerry Rawlings

Portia Arthur