Korle Klottey MP, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has strongly defended the legacy of her late father, former President Jerry John Rawlings, in response to renewed criticisms of his role in Ghana’s revolutionary history. She firmly stated that she will never disown her parents, either publicly or privately.
Speaking on the JoyNews podcast Talk No Dey Cook Rice, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings dismissed personal attacks tied to her father’s past as “immature and cowardly.”
“I will not publicly or privately turn my back on my parents because I know what they did,” she said. “Sometimes the loudest voice is not the most honest one.”
While acknowledging that Rawlings’ revolutionary leadership has always had its critics, she argued that much of the public discourse has been influenced by misinformation and distorted narratives.
“I’m fully aware that my father wasn’t loved by everyone. But a lot of the things people accuse him of had nothing to do with him. He took responsibility because that’s what real leaders do.”
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings also pointed out that some individuals with firsthand knowledge of Ghana’s political history have remained silent, choosing not to set the record straight.
“There are people alive today who know the truth about what really happened, but for reasons best known to them, they’ve chosen to remain silent.”
She further emphasized that her father had not shied away from acknowledging the mistakes and excesses of the revolution, even apologizing on multiple occasions, including for actions taken without his knowledge.
“He publicly apologized for the excesses of the revolution—even on behalf of those who acted without his consent. That takes courage and accountability.”
Addressing personal attacks directed at her, the MP condemned the tendency of some critics to project their grievances with her father onto her.
“When people target the child of someone just because they dislike the parent, it reflects a lack of maturity,” she noted. “I have no respect for cowards. If you have something to say, own it.”
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings concluded by calling for honesty, integrity, and courage in Ghana’s political and public discourse.
