Retired Air Commodore: Rawlings never flew under Adomi Bridge
Jerry Rawlings,
The late former President Jerry John Rawlings never piloted any aircraft under the Adomi Bridge, sources familiar with his activities have clarified, dismissing a long-standing rumour.
The myth, which has circulated on social media and casual conversations for years, claims that the late leader, known for his daring and unconventional style, once flew a small plane under the bridge spanning the Volta River. However, eyewitnesses and close associates insist the story is false.
The Adomi Bridge at Atimpoku in the Eastern Region has long been mentioned in popular stories about Jerry John Rawlings during his days in the Ghana Air Force before he became head of state.
According to a retired senior officer of the Ghana Air Force, Air Commodore K.K. Pumpuni (Rtd), Rawlings, who served as Ghana’s military leader from 1981 to 1993 and later as elected president until 2001, was adventurous but never engaged in stunts involving aircraft over public infrastructure.
Pumpuni dismissed the account, insisting the alleged incident is simply a myth.
In an interview with Kafui Dey, shared on YouTube, Air Commodore Pumpuni said the widely circulated story never happened.
He explained that flying a military aircraft under a bridge would be a serious violation of aviation safety protocols and military discipline.
“There was a saying that Rawlings flew under the Adomi Bridge. I said no, he didn’t,” Pumpuni stated.
Air Commodore Pumpuni added: “I was, at that time, in charge of operations of the Air Force. Nothing like that happened. If it had happened, we would have court-martialled him.”
He explained that such a manoeuvre would not only have been dangerous but also impossible given the bridge’s structural features.
When asked whether such a feat could technically be carried out, he replied that it was not feasible.
He said “No, it’s not possible because there are cables and other structures on the bridge. If you look at it carefully, an aircraft cannot safely fly between the water and the bridge.”
The story of former President Jerry John Rawlings flying a jet under the Adomi Bridge has persisted for decades. It is often retold to highlight Rawlings’ exceptional reputation as a skilled pilot. Indeed, many people still proudly refer to him by his Air Force rank of Flight Lieutenant.
Before entering politics, Rawlings served as a pilot in the Ghana Armed Forces. He first seized power in the 1979 Ghana coup d’état and later in the 1981 Ghana coup d’état.
He subsequently transitioned to democratic leadership, becoming Ghana’s elected president in 1993 and serving until January 2001, when he handed over power to John Kufuor of the New Patriotic Party.
