Jerry John Rawlings and the 1992 Elections

On November 3,1992, Flt.Lt.Jerry John Rawlings won the first Democratic election in Ghana.

Jerry John Rawlings the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) became the first president of the Fourth Republic of Ghana after he won the  1992 General Elections on November 3,1992.

Flt.Lt. Jerry John Rawlings then military leader of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) decided to move the country into democratic rule following the 31st December Coup.

The return to constitutunal meant fresh election needed to conduct under the Fourth Republican Constitution.The National Democratic Congress(NDC) which was metamorphosis of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) won the 1992 general election with Jerry John Rawlings as their candidate. Other four presidential candidates contested the election with vision of of capturing political power from Jerry John Rawlings but unfortunately he won the election overwhelming. Other candidates were Adu Boahen representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Hilla Limman with People’s National Congress (PNC), Kwabena Darko represented the National Independence Party (NIP) and Lieutenant General Emmanuel Erskine with People’s Heritage Party (PHP).

Generally,the 1992 general election was to promote the Democratic governance which the country have adopted. Before then, Jerry John Rawlings has rule the country through military policies for a decade, so citizens of Ghana thought it was enough for him to rule the country.

The motto of the NDC was “continuity” which means,the continuation of PNDC’s Policies and Programs. The main opponent of Rawlings was Adu Boahen of New Patriotic Party who had support from the Akans and some educated elites in the country.

The Election was held in 200 Constituencies. Rawlings won majority of the votes with 60 percent of the total votes cast while Adu Boahen had 34. 4 percent, Dr. Hilla Limman 6.7 percent and Emmanuel Erskine with 1.7 percent.

Rawlings gained majority of his votes from the Brong Ahafo Region which was considered as the stronghold for the NPP.

Adu Boahen receives his majority Votes from Eastern and Ashanti region respectively.

On November 10, the electoral commission declared Jerry John Rawlings as the winner, however his opponents declared their intention of boycotting the results.

The role of the 31st December Women’s Movement contributed to the electoral success of the NDC.The movement which was regarded as the women’s wing of the party was led by the wife of the NDC candidate, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings. The Movement provided economic support services to Ghananain women. This helped the party to command a lot of women which contributed its success.

On January 7,1993 Flt.Lt. Jerry John Rawlings was inaugurated as the the first president under the Fourth Republic of Ghana