The late Ghanaian leader Jerry John Rawlings, widely known by that surname, revealed that “Rawlings” was not his original family name.
In a video that resurfaced on social media, the former president explained that his birth surname was actually John. He adopted the name “Rawlings” later to avoid legal hurdles and simplify his entry into the military.
Rawlings shared that he was named after his father, James Ramsey John, a chemist from Castle Douglas, Scotland. Initially, his full name was Jerry Rawlings John. However, when he applied to join the Armed Forces, the order of his names was rearranged, placing “Rawlings” in the surname position.
This revelation provides a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of the life of Ghana’s celebrated statesman, showing how practical considerations influenced the name that would become nationally and internationally recognized.
Watch the video below
