Burkina Faso applauded for recognising Rawlings’ legacy

The family of former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings is grateful to Burkina Faso. They appreciate the naming of a street after him. This honor reflects not just on the family, but also on Ghana.

Ms. Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings read a statement for the family. She is the Executive Director of the JJ Rawlings Foundation. During the ceremony in Ouagadougou, she said this recognition honors Rawlings' legacy. He dedicated his life to social justice and served ordinary people.

She noted that Rawlings pursued a just society for Africans. He aimed to free them from poverty and underdevelopment. Similarly, Thomas Sankara sought a self-sufficient Africa free from neo-colonialism. Both envisioned an Africa where these ideals could thrive.

The street naming occurred after inaugurating a mausoleum in Ouagadougou. This mausoleum houses Thomas Sankara and 12 companions who died in 1987. JJ Rawlings played a significant role in this project as honorary Chair of the Sankara Memorial Committee until his death in 2020.

Ms. Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings attended with her brother, Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings. She emphasized that naming the avenue marks an important milestone. It reminds everyone of the values both leaders stood for: justice, equality, and African awakening.

She recalled Flt Lt Rawlings’s speech at the Thomas Sankara Memorial Project launch in October 2016. He stated that emancipation must continue despite challenges ahead. He highlighted imperialist control as a major issue facing Africa today.

The avenue's naming included unveiling a plaque by Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo. The event was attended by Mayor Maurice Konaté and members of the public too.

Minister Ouedraogo honored Rawlings as a great fighter for African emancipation and Pan-Africanism. He acknowledged Rawlings’ support for Captain Thomas Sankara during his time.

A Burkinabe government spokesperson remarked on unity between Ghana and Burkina Faso through this honor. They see it as an invitation to strengthen ties between their peoples.

The new avenue spans over two kilometers, starting at Avenue Jean-Paul II and ending at Boulevard Capitaine Isidore Noël Thomas Sankara.

Earlier on Saturday, a delegation from Ghana represented President John Mahama at the mausoleum inauguration. The delegation included Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and several ministers from Ghana's government.