Jerry John Rawlings is a former Ghanaian head of state notable for the introduction of democratic rule in Ghana.

Jerry John Rawlings was born on June 22, 1947, in Accra and has served as a flight lieutenant of the Ghana Air Force.

Jerry John Rawlings History

J.J Rawlings begun school at Achimota College which is now Achimota SHS and later joined the Ghana Air Force upon completion to be trained as a pilot officer.

Rawlings in 1968 was posted to Takoradi to complete his training and upon completion a year later, he won the “Speed Bird Trophy” as the best cadet officer in flying the Su-7 ground attack supersonic jet aircraft.

Earning the rank of flight lieutenant brought him closer to higher authorities and made him see the need for change in leadership hence the buildup to his 1979 coup plots.

Rawlings together with six other officers who were part of a liberal group Free Africa Movement staged a coup in May 1979 but were unsuccessful leading to their arrest.

Upon his release, he formed a 15-member Armed Forces Revolutionary Council which in their 112 days of ruling caused the execution by firing squad of eight military officers, as well as the three former Ghanaian heads of state; Acheampong, Akuffo, and Akwasi Afrifa.

He kept his military actions in place until 1992 when through him there was the introduction of democratic rule giving him two terms as a democratically elected president.

Jerry John Rawlings Cause Of Death

Rawlings died on 12 November 2020 at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after reports of a short illness.

The government has announced giving him a full military burial with events spanning from January 22 to January 27.

Jerry John Rawlings Net Worth

Jerry John Rawlings net worth as of 2020 was estimated as $5 million, though this value is not officially declared.

Jerry John Rawlings Children

J.J Rawling married Nana Konadu Agyeman in 1977 and together they have four children; Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (MP), Amina Rawlings, Kimathi Rawlings, and Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings.

Jerry John Rawlings Mother

Rawlings’ mother, Miss Victoria Agbotui Jerry John Rawlings who was born on September 9, 1919, and died on 24th September 2020 at the age of 101 years.