My last name is not Rawlings; the military changed it – JJ Rawlings recounts
Former president, Jerry John Rawlings, has revealed that his surname isn’t actually Rawlings. He recounted how his surname, which happens to be John, was changed when he was enlisted into the military. According to him, he accepted to be enlisted despite a change in his last name.
He revealed that unlike what many people. Especially Ghanaians, know to be his surname, actually isn’t. Affectionately called Papa J, he recounted how his surname, which happens to be John, was changed. When the military sent him a letter of enlistment.
Speaking to Asaase Radio and reported by theGhanareport.com, the former president said he did not want a change in name together with all its legal requirements to ruin his chances of getting into the military, which had always been his dream
During the interview, Rawlings explained how things unfolded: “I was born Jerry Rawlings John. I was named after my father, James Ramsey John, a chemist from Castle Douglas in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. However, when I applied to join the Armed Forces they replied to me. Then they switched the position of ‘John’ and ‘Rawlings.” Interestingly, all four children of the former president have their surnames as Rawlings instead of John, which happens to be their father’s original surname.
He visited the PWD Maintenance Unit Castle registration centre in the Klottey Korle constituency. On Thursday, 9 July, to sign up for a new voters’ identity card. In photos sighted by YEN.com.gh, he was accompanied by his daughter and Member of Parliament for the Klottey Korle constituency, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.
source: yen.com.gh