The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has stated that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s intention to rename the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale after the late Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings is inappropriate.
The PPP in a statement noted that in 2019, when President Akufo-Addo decided to re-name UDS after Ex-President Rawlings, he rejected the offer and made us understand that in 2015, when a similar offer was made by Ex-President Mahama to name the Offshore Cape Three Points FPSO vessel after him, he rejected that as well.
The PPP also stated that the reason Ex-President Rawlings’ assigned for declining the offer was because “he had a long-standing principle not to have national monuments and facilities named after him”.
“In as much as President Akufo Addo may have the best of intention in this agenda, it is absolutely significant to note that it would be inappropriate for Mr Akufo-Addo to disregard the wishes of Ex-President Rawlings in this attempt to rename the UDS after him,” PPP stated.
However, the PPP suggested that the government rather focuses on a tradition of encouraging the construction of Museums and Libraries for our Ex-Presidents and not allow the determination of same to be made through the patronage and benevolence of any sitting President.
“Our Ex Presidents would be required to lead in raising funds to build these archival and museum structures, which will subsequently preserve our history and serve as tourist attractions to welcome millions of visitors each year. They would also become anchors for local development of monuments built in their home regions. The facilities would also enable people to take advantage of research opportunities, and to participate in educational and public programmes,” PPP said.
“We recommend that Parliament should begin a discussion on a Presidential Records Act, which will mandate that our Presidents hand over their papers, artifacts, memorabilia and other archives to the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) for preservation and maintenance when they leave office,” PPP added.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori