Rawlings witnesses June 4 wreath-laying ceremony(June 5, 2009) Political Page

Story: Michael Donkor

FORMER President J.J. Rawlings yesterday joined scores of dignitaries at a wreath-laying ceremony held at the revolutionary square to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the June 4, 1979 uprising.
Other dignitaries who witnessed the event were the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, former Minister of State and leading member of the NDC, Mr Vallis Achianu, the former Chief Fire Officer, Lt Col. Tagoe (retd), the Secretary of the Greater Accra Market Women Association, Madam Mercy Needjan, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Armah Ashietey.
The rest were Lt. Gen. Arnold Quainoo, former General Officer Commanding the Ghana Armed Forces, and Madam Roberta Hoppenba.
A number of cadres and some retired soldiers as well as functionaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were also present at the ceremony.
As early as 7 a.m., people from all walks of life started gathering at the revolutionary square, opposite the Flagstaff House, to witness the ceremony.
The grounds for the ceremony were also decorated with ribbons, while the national flag and four flags, bearing the colours of the June 4 were hoisted at the venue to give more meaning to the event. Wreaths were laid at the Revolutionary Square.
Mr Vallis Achianu, a leading member of the NDC, laid one of the wreaths on behalf of the security agencies, Lt Col. Tagoe (retd) laid one on behalf of the fallen heroes, the Secretary of the Greater Accra Market Women Association, Madam Mercy Needjan, laid one while the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Ashietey, laid the last one on behalf of the people of Ghana.
Lt Gen Quainoo and Madam Roberta Hoppenba jointly lighted the perpetual flame.
The cadres then embarked on a route march while the other members continued to Kasoa in the Central Region for a public lecture on the occasion.
Thirty years ago, former President Rawlings, then a junior officer of the Ghana Air Force, led a group of soldiers to overthrow the Supreme Military Council led by Lt General F.W.K. Akuffo.
The June 4 uprising ushered into the country’s history a revolution which lasted for 11 years.