Our father was warrior and a Pan-Africanist; our names says it all – Zanetor
- Zanetor has stated that the names given to them by their father is indicative of his warrior nature
- She said each of their names had meanings attached to them based on his beliefs on the impact of names on a person’s life and not just because he liked those names
- According to Zanetor, they were named after African warriors who fought for the goodwill of their country
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Many people have always wondered why the four children of the late former president Jerry John Rawlings' names sounded quite strange.
His death however, brought all four of them into the limelight once again as the funeral arrangements were being made.
Daughter of late Jerry John Rawlings has stated that the names given to them by their father is indicative of his warrior nature.
Source: Facebook
Dr. Zanetor in a tribute mentioned that each of their names had meanings attached to them based on his beliefs on the impact of names on a person’s life and not just because he liked those names.
According to Zanetor, they were named after African warriors who fought for the goodwill of their country.
Explaining the meanings of their names, her name, Zanetor is an Ewe extraction name, a command meaning ‘let the darkness seize’. According to her the name was given to her during a difficult time in Ghana when an end to the corruption and economic hardship was greatly needed.
She also explained Yaa Asantewaa was named after Nana Yaa Asantewaa of Ejisu, the Queen mother who led her people to war against the British colonialist.
Amina on the other hand, got her name from the warrior queen Amina of Zaria in modern-day Nigeria who was the first woman to become a ruler in a male-dominated society and expanded the territory of the house of people to its largest borders, through several conquests, thereby opening up trade routes amongst orders.
Last but not least, Kimathi was named after Dedan Kimathi a Mau Mau military and spiritual leader who led his people in several uprisings that led to the independence struggle against the British colonial rulers.
For Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, their names not only reflects the beliefs of her father, but demonstrates him (Rawlings) as a pan-Africanist.
In a related news, President Akufo-Addo says history will be “kind” to former President Jerry John Rawlings for his contribution to Ghana’s democratic growth.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at the state funeral of the late first president of the fourth republic, Akufo-Addo commended Rawlings for ditching dictatorship for the current democracy the country is enjoying.
According to the president, a positive verdict will be rendered on Rawlings' contribution to the “evolution of our nation and the entrenchment of its democratic institutions and culture."
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Source: YEN.com.gh
