Revolution and Democracy in Ghana: The Politics of Jerry Rawlings

THE author is an Emeritus Professor of Politics at London Metropolitan University, UK, and a regular communist in both the Daily Graphic and Daily Statesman newspapers.

Prof. Haynes seeks to challenge simplistic portrayals of the political career of Flt-Lt Jerry Rawlings to examine the complex interactions between state institutions, civil society, public welfare and global influences in Ghana’s political evolution.

Upon my first reading of the review copy during my leisure time, I knew it had a vast potential for intellectual trouble. 

It is that very fact that makes it such a valuable and worthwhile publication. For me, reading the book is just like a rare breed of sweet wine whose taste still lingers in the mouth and makes the taste buds want more.

Questions

The book effectively addresses many of the questions we have pondered about Jerry Rawlings’ political ideology, the impact of his governance on Ghanaian democracy, and how his rule influenced the country’s political institutions and policies.

Although this is not a book written by Rawlings himself, it illuminates the Rawlings era and democratisation in a manner unmatched by other works. 

The publication of this book is a significant event. Despite the vibrancy of Rawlings’ nearly two decades of rule, that period remains relatively opaque in our history.

Reading the book has profoundly deepened my understanding of Ghanaian politics. Before diving into this text, my perspective on Rawlings was largely shaped by popular narratives and media portrayals. 

The author’s meticulous research and nuanced analysis provide a rich, albeit complex view of Rawlings’ impact. 

I came to appreciate not only the ideological shifts during Rawlings' tenure but also the intricate interplay between revolutionary fervour and the pragmatic challenges of governance.

Prof. Haynes’ exploration of controversial aspects, such as the murder of judges and economic reforms, challenged my previously simplistic views. 

The detailed examination of how Rawlings’ regime navigated international pressures and internal power struggles offered new insights into the broader political context of the time. 

Book

Overall, the book has helped me understand the legacy of Rawlings’ policies, particularly their role in shaping Ghana’s transition towards a more democratic and market-oriented society. The author says in the preface that 

“The book has four objectives. First, I seek to contextualise Rawlings’ initial revolutionary populism in contemporaneous radical military interventions in Africa.” 

“The second is to outline the characteristics and political consequences of Rawlings’ revolutionary populism and authoritarian populism which replaced it.” 

“The third is to examine the return to multi-party democracy in late 1992 and the following 10 years of Rawlings rule as elected president.” 

“The fourth objective is to assess Rawlings’ political legacy in Ghana following his death in November 2020.”

Scope

Despite the book’s succinctly defined scope, it offers more than what its author suggests. Four significant aspects make this book a historic contribution to our understanding of recent developments in our country.

First, Flt-Lt Jerry Rawlings is regarded by many Ghanaians as both an enigma and a contradiction. Prof. Haynes illustrates the role played by Flt-Lt Jerry Rawlings and some of his closest associates in shaping a revolutionary period that began without a clear road map. 

Second, while over time, Rawlings became a subject to titillate scholarship and research, this book is a must-read, not only for academicians, historians and researchers, but also for ordinary citizens and, particularly, the youth who may take our democratic journey and experience for granted. 

Third, very well-researched and written, Prof. Haynes presents a tidy work, digging into nearly all available material on Jerry Rawlings, including talking to persons close to him and even those who he worked with during his political career: three times Head of State of Ghana from 1979 through 1981 to 1992 and into 2000. 

Finally, the book stands out as a crucial work for anyone interested in the evolution of Ghanaian politics. The author provides a thorough examination of Jerry Rawlings’ impact on the country’s democratic development, combining rigorous research with insightful analysis. 

In addition, the book’s exploration of Rawlings’ transformative leadership, controversial policies and the political shifts of his era offers valuable perspectives that deepen our understanding of Ghana’s political landscape. 

It is recommended for all segments of the population, including the business community, academia and politicians.

The reviewer is the News Editor, Daily Statesman.

Author of Book: Professor Jeffrey Haynes
Publisher: Digibooks (Tema)
Date of publication: November 2024.
Pages: 340
Price: GH¢ 200