The National Democratic Congress (NDC) urged its supporters during the 42nd Anniversary of the 31st December Revolution to work towards reclaiming power in the 2024 election. The event, held at Ashaley Botwe in the Greater Accra Region, focused on the theme “Building the Ghana We Want: Revisiting The Decade That Stopped The Decay (1982-1992).”
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the party, emphasized the importance of understanding and upholding the values and principles of probity, accountability, transparency, and social justice as the guiding principles of the NDC. He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming election under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing the transformative potential of the party’s foundational values.
The commemoration included symbolic activities such as the lighting of the perpetual flame, laying of wreaths, and a durbar.
“We need to remember, at all moments, who we are and where we are coming from. December 31st is bigger than the NDC, New Patriotic Party, Convention People’s Party (CPP), and bigger than all of us. It carries something mightier because this is the very foundation of the transformation of our country. Next year, by this time, I’m confident that with your hard work, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, and with our collective work as NDC leadership, we will be in a position preparing to take over. I’m super confident we will.
The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Party, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
“Winning power is just the opening of the doors. We can win power over the next 4 years, 8 years, or 16 years. If we are not careful, what we have accomplished will not amount to much if we don’t understand the flame that is blazing right there and what that flame represents.”
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
The 31st December Movement, a significant chapter in Ghana’s political history, emerged as a response to the challenges faced by the country in the early 1980s. The movement marks the anniversary of the 1981 coup d’état that led to the establishment of the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC), with Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings at its helm.
On December 31, 1981, Rawlings, then a young charismatic Air Force officer, seized power for the second time through a coup. The first coup occurred on December 31, 1981, and was followed by a second one on December 31, 1982, consolidating Rawlings’ leadership. The 31st December Movement was subsequently formed to commemorate these events and to uphold the ideals of the revolution.
JJ Rawlings, Founder of NDC
The movement was grounded in the principles of probity, accountability, and social justice, with a vision to transform Ghana into a more equitable society. The PNDC, under Rawlings, embarked on an ambitious program of economic and social reforms, seeking to address issues such as corruption, inequality, and inefficiency that had plagued the country.
The 31st December Movement became a rallying point for supporters of the revolution, emphasizing the need for Ghanaians to collectively work towards building a better nation. It held annual events to commemorate the December 31st coups, reflecting on the achievements and challenges faced during the revolutionary era.
While the 31st December Movement and the PNDC era faced criticism for human rights abuses and the restriction of political freedoms, it also implemented policies that aimed to uplift the marginalized and promote social justice. Educational reforms, anti-corruption campaigns, and infrastructural development were some of the initiatives undertaken during this period.
Some astute Members of NDC
Over time, the political landscape in Ghana evolved, leading to the establishment of a multi-party system in the early 1990s. Despite the changes, the 31st December Movement continues to hold relevance in Ghana’s political discourse, representing a pivotal period that shaped the nation’s trajectory.
It stands as a reminder of the aspirations for a more just and prosperous Ghana, shaped by the events of December 31, 1981, and the subsequent years of the PNDC rule.
During the time, revolutionist were of the strong believe tat te revolution will never die which was aptly captured in its theme song. Cadres may go, cadres may come, but the revolution has come to stay… was passionately chanted at such gatherings.
