Third Era of Jerry Rawlings as a Democratic President (1993–2001): Ideology and Leadership Style

What is it about?

This chapter examines the leadership emergence of Jerry John Rawlings (22 June 1947–12 November 2020) as a democratic ruler. Ghana’s Jerry John Rawlings is arguably one of the most charismatic leaders to have ruled an African country in contemporary times. His charisma and leadership style helped to transit Ghana from a political and economic decay in the 1980s to constitutional rule and economic recovery in the 1990s. Although he was a coupist, Rawlings became an icon and respected leader in Ghana, Africa, and the world during his term of office as Head of State and President. Rawlings’ ideology and leadership style was a mixed bag of approaches grounded in his belief in the principles of probity and accountability. The goal of this chapter is to examine how Rawlings emerged as a transformational leader in Ghanaian politics, and African and world politics at large. We, therefore, argue that he demonstrated transformational and charismatic leadership skills which led Ghana through a successful economic recovery program and democratization. We do so by unpacking his ideology and leadership style from 1993 to 2001. The chapter shows that Rawlings’ goal was to rid Ghana of corruption and to decentralize the decision-making process and enable an institutional process for development that centered around the people at all levels of governance. He had a vision of a government free from corruption and an inclusive government connected to the grassroots. Rawlings pursued economic reforms through structural adjustment programs that help to strengthen Ghana’s economy.

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Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The chapter shows that Rawlings’ goal was to rid Ghana of corruption and to decentralize the decision-making process and enable an institutional process for development that centered around the people at all levels of governance. He had a vision of a government free from corruption and an inclusive government connected to the grassroots. Rawlings pursued economic reforms through structural adjustment programs that help to strengthen Ghana’s economy.

Perspectives