Jerry John Rawlings was a Ghanaian military officer, aviator, and politician who left an indelible mark on Ghana\'s history. Born on June 22, 1947, in Accra, Ghana, to a Scottish father and a Ghanaian mother, Rawlings\' leadership spanned two decades, making him the longest-serving leader in Ghana\'s history ¹ ².

*Early Life and Education*

Rawlings attended Achimota School and later joined the Ghana Air Force, graduating in 1969. He became a skilled pilot, earning the coveted \"Speed Bird Trophy\" as the best cadet in flying the Su-7 ground attack supersonic jet aircraft ².

*Rise to Power*

Rawlings\' entry into politics was marked by two successful coups. The first, in June 1979, overthrew General Fred Akuffo\'s government, and Rawlings handed power to a civilian government led by President Hilla Limann. However, citing economic decline and weak governance, Rawlings staged a second coup in December 1981, establishing the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) ¹ ².

*Leadership and Legacy*

As chairman of the PNDC, Rawlings implemented populist policies, including price controls and state-owned enterprises. However, facing economic crisis in 1983, he shifted towards conservative economic policies, adopting structural adjustment programs and privatizing state-owned companies ². This transformation led to Ghana\'s economic recovery and growth.

Rawlings\' leadership also saw the establishment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the country\'s transition to multiparty democracy. He won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, serving two terms as Ghana\'s president ¹ ².

*Personal Life*

Rawlings married Nana Konadu Agyeman, and they had four children together. He was known for his charismatic personality and his commitment to social justice ².

*Later Life and Death*

Rawlings passed away on November 12, 2020, at the age of 73. He was accorded a state funeral, recognizing his significant contributions to Ghana\'s history ¹ ².