Rawlings’ family accepts decision to rename UDS after him

The family of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings has welcomed the decision to rename the University for Development Studies (UDS) after him.

The family says it has never been against move to rename institution.

“We have quickly checked with her excellency and I have her authority to inform you that the family has never been against this forward-looking suggestion and we would have absolutely no objection if your university can achieve that,” a member of the family and former diplomat, Mr Victor Gbeho, said on Monday when a delegation from the UDS, led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Gabriel Ayum Teye, visited the residence of the late Rawlings to commiserate with the family.

Responding, Prof. Teye said the statement of the family had been taken note of and that the university had taken an earlier decision in 2018 to do the honours but something happened and it was put on hold.

“So if it is coming up at this time, we have already given our blessing and also to say that the $50,000 that was donated (by Rawlings) … was meant to develop the university library and because of that the main library is now named after the former president and if you go there you would see a statute of him in front of the library,” he said.

He said the university was however, ready for whatever decision that would be taken by the government to name the UDS after him.