Jerry J. Rawlings, is also called J.J. Rawlings, (born June 22, 1947, Accra, Ghana—died November 12, 2020, Accra), military and political leader in Ghana who twice (1979, 1981) overthrew the government and seized power.
His second period of rule (1981–2001) afforded Ghana political stability and competent economic management.
President, Ghana (1992-2001)Rawlings was the son of a Scottish father and a Ghanaian mother. He was educated at Achimoto College and the military academy at Teshie.
He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Ghanaian air force in 1969 and became a flight lieutenant and expert pilot, skilled in aerobatics.
In June 1979 Rawlings and other junior officers led a successful military coup with the purported aim of purging the military and public life of widespread corruption.
He and his Armed Forces Revolutionary Council ruled for 112 days, during which time the former heads of state, Gen. Ignatius Kutu Acheampong and Lieut. Gen. Frederick W.K. Akuffo, were tried and executed. Rawlings then yielded power to a freely elected civilian president, Hilla Limann, who promptly retired Rawlings from the air force.
