In a tribute to a revered African statesman, the government of Burkina Faso has named a major avenue in its capital after former Ghanaian President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings. The two-kilometre-long stretch, now bearing his name, stands as a powerful symbol of unity, justice, and Pan-African solidarity, linking Avenue Jean-Paul II in the north to Boulevard Capitaine Thomas Sankara in the south.
The naming ceremony, held on Sunday, May 17, brought together dignitaries, family members, and citizens in a moment of shared reflection and respect. Ms. Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, daughter of the late president, expressed the family’s gratitude, calling it “a huge recognition of the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to social justice.”
Speaking at the event, she evoked the deep historical bond between Rawlings and Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara, describing their visions as “rooted in the fight for justice, equality, and the conscious awakening of African people.” She recalled her father’s belief that “the journey of emancipation must continue,” urging future generations to carry forward the torch of African self-determination.
Burkina Faso’s Minister for Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr. Gilbert Ouédraogo, unveiled the commemorative plaque and hailed Rawlings as “a great fighter for the emancipation of our continent, a voice of Pan-Africanism, and a great friend of Thomas Sankara.” He highlighted Rawlings’s role in the Sankara Memorial Project and his enduring legacy in strengthening African unity.
The avenue naming followed the grand opening of a mausoleum dedicated to Sankara and his 12 companions, further cementing the historical and ideological kinship between the two leaders. The new road stands not only as a memorial to Rawlings but also as a testament to the enduring ideals both men championed.
