Born on June 22, 1947, in Accra, Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings is the child of Victoria Agbotui and James Ramsey John.

He completed his secondary education at Achimota College in 1967 and subsequently enlisted in the Ghana Air Force, where his middle name, Rawlings, preceded his last name, John. In January 1969, he graduated as a pilot officer and gradually climbed the military hierarchy.

In 1979, operating as a flight lieutenant, Rawlings instigated a coup against the government of General Fred Akuffo. Following this bold move, he found himself sentenced to death but managed to escape custody in June 1979.

He went on to establish the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and assumed control for 112 days before relinquishing power to President Hilla Limann on September 24, 1979.

On December 31, 1981, Rawlings orchestrated another coup, ousting President Hilla Limann and inaugurating the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).

His leadership continued until 2001, offering Ghana a period of political stability and effective economic management.

In July 1984, Fidel Castro bestowed upon him the Order of José Marti. Further acknowledgements include an honorary degree from the University for Development Studies in northern Ghana in October 2013, the title of Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa, in August 2014, the Marcus Garvey Awards in August 2018, and, in December 2018, Rawlings was enstooled as the Togbuiga Nutifafa I of Anlo.

In 1992, Rawlings officially parted ways with the military and went on to found the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was subsequently elected as Ghana's first president within the Fourth Republic and secured re-election in 1996, adhering to the term limits dictated by the Ghanaian Constitution.

Rawlings took on the role of the African Union's envoy to Somalia, actively engaging in diplomatic efforts.

He expanded his horizons into academia, delivering lectures at various universities, including the prestigious Oxford University. Rawlings retained steadfast support for the NDC and held diverse international roles, including attendance at the inauguration of Suriname's President Dési Bouterse.

On November 12, 2020, Jerry John Rawlings passed away at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. Speculations suggest that his death might have been linked to complications arising from COVID-19. In honour of his memory, President Nana Akufo-Addo declared seven days of mourning, accompanied by the lowering of flags to half-mast. There were appeals for his burial in Keta, Volta Region.

From January 24 to 27, 2021, a series of funeral ceremonies and tributes were meticulously organised in Accra. The pinnacle was a state funeral held at the Black Star Square, graced by the presence of national and international dignitaries.

Jerry John Rawlings was interred at the Military Cemetery at Burma Camp, accompanied by full military honours.

Jerry John Rawlings, the former President of Ghana, was married to Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and had four children together.

Recognising his substantial contributions to its establishment, there have been proposals to rename the University for Development Studies after Jerry John Rawlings. His enduring impact on Ghana's political landscape and education system remains palpable.