President Akufo-Addo has announced the University of Development Studies (UDS) will be named after the JJ Rawlings despite the late military leader’s opposition to the idea when he was alive.
According to the President, the family of Mr Rawlings has consented to the idea.
The late President rejected the offer when it was first made by Mr Akufo-Aaddo in respect of his long-standing principle not to have state monument named after him.
However, following his death, the President said he is convinced the university, which Mr Rawlings personally provided seed money for, needs to be named after him.
“He respectfully declined the suggestion when I first made it to him in respect of his long-standing principle not to have state monument named after him.
“Whilst he was with us, he, respectfully, declined an offer I made to him, in 2017, to have the University of Development Studies, Tamale, (UDS), which he, personally, helped establish, named after him. His reason was that, in adhering to a long-standing principle, he did not want to have any national monument or facility named after him. Two days after his passing, at the 21st Congregation of UDS, I expressed my strongest convictions, in spite of his reservations, that such an honour should be accorded him.
“I am glad that this has found favour with his family, and the necessary formalities will be carried out to achieve this, i.e. The Jerry John Rawlings University of Development Studies, Tamale. ” the President disclosed in his tribute to the late leader at his state funeral in Accra Wednesday.
The late President will be buried at the Military cemetery in Accra after government and his family reached an agreement on the location of his burial.
Mr Rawlings died on November 12, 2020 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
