Who Is Jerry Rawlings? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on June 22, 1947, Jerry Rawlings was a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, having served as the country's leader during pivotal times in its modern history. He first came to power in 1979 through a coup d'état and later ruled again from 1981 until 2001. As a founding member of the National Democratic Congress, Rawlings's political career has been marked by significant social and economic reforms in Ghana.
As of 2025, Jerry Rawlings would be 77 years old. His contributions to the political landscape of Ghana continue to be studied and revered.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1947 |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Accra, then part of the Colony of the Gold Coast |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Ghana |
| Date of death | 12 November, 2020 |
| Died Place | Accra, Ghana |
Popularity
Jerry Rawlings's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details on his height and weight are not universally documented, Jerry Rawlings was known for his athletic build during his youth. His charm, coupled with his commanding presence, contributed to his charismatic leadership style.
- Height: 6'0" (183 cm) - approximately
- Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg) - approximately
- Measurements: Not widely available
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jerry Rawlings was married to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a former First Lady of Ghana, who has been an important figure in Ghanaian politics and women’s rights. Together, they have three daughters: Zanetor, Jesse, and Amina. Throughout his career, Rawlings remained a dedicated family man, often highlighting the importance of family values.
There have been speculations and discussions regarding his relationships in the past, but Jerry Rawlings maintained a publicly committed relationship with his wife until his passing in 2020.
His father, who never lived with him and his mother, went back to Britain in 1959. Rawlings attended Achimota School and a military academy at Teshie. Rawlings was married to Nana Konadu Agyeman, whom he met while at Achimota College. They had three daughters: Zanetor Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, and Amina Rawlings, and one son, Kimathi Rawlings. Junior Agogo was the nephew of Rawlings.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Jerry Rawlings's net worth was estimated to be around $20 million. His wealth was derived from his long political career, various entrepreneurial ventures, and investments in real estate and agriculture. Despite facing scrutiny during his time in power, Rawlings was known to have accumulated a respectable fortune over the years.
Although the PNDC claimed to be representative of the people, it lacked experience in the creation and implementation of clear economic policies. Rawlings, like many of his predecessors, attributed current economic and social problems to the "trade malpractices and other anti-social activities" of a few businesspeople.
In December 1982, the PNDC announced its four-year economic program of establishing a state monopoly on export-import trade to eliminate corruption surrounding import licenses and shifting trade away from dependency on Western markets.
Unrealistic price controls were imposed on the market and enforced through coercive acts, especially against businesspeople. This resolve to employ state control over the economy is best demonstrated by the destruction of the Makola No.1 Market.
The PNDC established Workers' Defence Committees (WDCs) and People's Defence Committees (PDCs) to mobilize the population to support radical changes to the economy.
Price controls on the sale of food were beneficial to urban workers but placed undue burden on 70% of the rural population whose income largely depended on the prices of agricultural products.
Rawlings' economic policies led to an economic crisis in 1983, forcing him to undertake structural adjustment and submit himself to an election to retain power. Elections were held in January 1992, leading Ghana back to multiparty democracy.
Career, Business and Investments
Jerry Rawlings began his career in the Ghana Air Force before moving into politics, where he gained notoriety for leading coups. Throughout his presidency, he focused on economic reforms, encouraging private enterprise, and working to transition Ghana to a multi-party democracy.
In addition to his political career, Rawlings was an entrepreneur with interests in the hotel and agricultural industries. His business acumen allowed him to leverage his political influence into successful ventures post-presidency.
Rawlings finished his secondary education at Achimota College in 1967. He joined the Ghana Air Force shortly afterwards; on his application, the military switched his surname John and his middle name Rawlings. In March 1968, he was posted to Takoradi in Ghana's Western Region, to continue his studies.
He graduated in January 1969 and was commissioned as a pilot officer, winning the coveted "Speed Bird Trophy" as the best cadet in flying the Su-7 ground attack supersonic jet aircraft as he was skilled in aerobatics. He earned the rank of flight lieutenant in April 1978.
During his service with the Ghana Air Force, Rawlings perceived a deterioration in discipline and morale due to corruption in the Supreme Military Council (SMC). As promotion brought him into contact with the privileged classes and their social values, his view of the injustices in society hardened. He was thus regarded with some unease by the SMC.
After the 1979 coup, he involved himself with the student community of the University of Ghana, where he developed a more leftist ideology through reading and discussion of social and political ideas.
Social Network
Jerry Rawlings was active on various social media platforms before his demise, using them to communicate his thoughts on political and social issues in Ghana and Africa. His official accounts were known for their engagement with followers, especially among the youth in Ghana who looked up to him as a leader.
While maintaining his legacy, his family continues to engage with the community through social media, sharing memories and promoting the causes he was passionate about.
Rawlings established the National Commission on Democracy (NCD) shortly after the 1982 coup, and employed it to survey civilian opinion and make recommendations that would facilitate the process of democratic transition.
In March 1991, the NCD released a report recommending the election of an executive president, the establishment of a national assembly, and the creation of the post of prime minister.
The PNDC used NCD recommendations to establish a committee for the drafting of a new constitution based on past Ghanaian Constitutions that lifted the ban on political parties in May 1992 after it was approved by referendum.
Education
Rawlings received his early education at Achimota School and went on to pursue further studies in the United States. He attended the Ghana Secondary School before finishing his education at the University of the Ghana where his focus centered around the sciences. His educational background played a crucial role in shaping his critical thinking and leadership skills.
Believing the Limann administration was unable to resolve Ghana's neocolonial economic dependency, Rawlings led a second coup against Limann and indicted the entire political class on 31 December 1981. In place of Limann's People's National Party, Rawlings established the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) military junta as the official government.
