I didn’t enjoy being President – Rawlings

A former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings, has disclosed that he did not enjoy being in office, but had to stay on to help stabilise the country.

The founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who marks his 69th birthday today, Wednesday, June 22, told Morning Starr host Nii Arday Clegg that being a president was a very demanding job which he does not miss anymore.

“...It was a very tasking situation for all of us...some of us didn’t enjoy being in office...but we had to work hard and after 10 years of that kind of work during the revolution period you want to break along but you are forced to come back because you can see foolish promises are being made in the air so you stay on to help consolidate,” the former president said on Starr 103.5FM.

Peaceful elections

The former military ruler also said Ghana has made progress with infrastructural developments but the majority of Ghanaians still find themselves in hardships.

According to him, it is his hope that the living conditions of Ghanaians will improve in the coming months so people can have a little respite.

He also urged Ghanaians to ensure that the November 7 presidential and parliamentary elections are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

Flight Lieutenant, Jerry John Rawlings ( RTD.) was born 22 June 1947. He was Head of State and 1st President of Ghana of the 4th Republic from 1993 to 2001.

He is married to Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and they have three daughters namely Ezanetor Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, Amina Rawlings and a son, Kimathi Rawlings.

In October 2013, he received an Honorary degree, Doctorate of Letters from the University for Development studies.