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We noted with admiration the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Former President Jerry John Rawlings by the University for Development Studies (UDS) on Saturday the 12th of October, 2013. We wish to join all well-meaning Ghanaians, home and abroad to congratulate His Excellency the Former President. We believe though the honour was tarried for almost 8 years, it had no dire effect whatsoever on the significance of such an honour! We extend our congratulations to the current administration of the University for Development Studies and indeed, the John Mahama led NDC government for having the insight to rightly bestow honour on a Patriot who truly deserves it. However, we of the Progressive Democrats front are of the view that, considering the role played by His Excellency the Former President in the establishment of the University for Development Studies as the Premier University in Northern Ghana and his contribution to expanding the frontiers of education in Ghana during and after his term as President of Ghana among others, it is more befitting to rename the University of Development Studies after him. Another 20 years to come in the life of the University of Development Studies, not many people will remember this conferment of a Doctorate Degree on President Jerry John Rawlings nor his vital contributions towards the establishment of UDS in 1992. Renaming the University after the Former President will permanently tell the story of the man whose foresight to use a personal cash award to establish a University that has affected and still affects the lives of thousands of Ghanaians and other nationals. Progressive Democrats wish to appeal to the Prof A.B Salifu led Council of the University of Development Studies and the Government of Ghana to boldly take the initiative and rename the University of Development Studies after former president Jerry John Rawlings. The University and the Government have shown that they have the needed character to take the right decisions and we believe they will favourably consider this appeal. JJ Rawlings University of Development Studies cannot wait for another 8 years; the time is now! Long live RAWLINGS! Long live UDS! Long live GHANA! SIGNED Nii Ayi Anteh (Secretary) Stephen Sackey (Communication Director) Mustapha Inusah(PR)