Today at work, I met a brother from Ghana and we spoke about life and politics. We touched on the significance of this day some 46 years ago and I made my mind I will write a brief piece on this when I get home.
On June 4th, 1979, Ghana experienced a dramatic and violent shift in political power when the now late Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings led a successful military coup against the ruling Supreme Military Council (SMC II), headed by General Fred Akuffo.
This coup came just days after Rawlings had been arrested and put on trial for an earlier failed coup attempted on May 15th, 1979. However, with strong support from junior officers and enlisted soldiers who were frustrated with corruption and poor governance, Rawlings was broken out of prison and led the uprising.
The June 4th uprising marked a turning point in Ghana’s history. It was driven by anger over corruption, economic hardship, and the perceived betrayal of the revolution by senior military leaders. After the takeover, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) was formed, with Rawlings as its head.
The AFRC launched a swift and brutal "house-cleaning" exercise. Several former military leaders, including Generals Acheampong, Akuffo, and Afrifa, were executed by firing squad in an effort to purge corruption.
Though Rawlings handed over power to a civilian government under Dr. Hilla Limann later that year, the June 4th coup left a deep and controversial legacy—hailed by some as a bold step against injustice, and condemned by others for its violence and instability. When I was in elementary school, it was often observed.
This day is still remembered in Ghana as a symbol of revolutionary change and political reckoning.
What all of this means is that, Ghana as a republic has come a long way and we must strive to not sweep our history under the carpeting.
I remain your pal,
Ronnie Law
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