Rawlings, Jerry (John) (1947– )

Ghanaian politician, president 1981–2001. He first took power in a bloodless coup in 1979, and, having returned power to a civilian government, staged another coup in 1981. He then remained in power until 1992, when he was elected president under the new multiparty constitution. He was re-elected for a second term in December 1996.

Rawlings first took power in a military coup in 1979, pledging to root out widespread corruption and promote ‘moral reform’. Within four months he had restored civilian government, but threatened a further coup if politicians were to put their own interests before those of the nation. Alleging renewed corruption in government circles, he seized power again in 1981 and, despite promising a speedy return to civilian rule, remained as military leader for more than a decade. Following a referendum supporting multiparty politics in 1992, Rawlings left the air force (in which he had been a flight lieutenant) and successfully contested the presidency as a civilian under the new constitution.

Criticized by many traditional politicians and senior military figures as an opportunist adventurer, he retained his popular appeal and successfully made the transition from military leader to constitutionally elected head of state.