Rawlings Never Flew Under Adomi Bridge – Retired Air Commodore Debunks Long-Standing Story

A retired senior officer of the Ghana Air Force has dismissed the long-standing claim that former President Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings once flew a military aircraft beneath the Adomi Bridge.

Air Commodore K.K. Pumpuni (Rtd) says the story, which has circulated for decades in Ghanaian political and aviation circles, is not true and should be regarded as a myth rather than a factual historical event.

The claim has often been repeated as part of Rawlings’ reputation for boldness during his time as a military pilot before he entered politics. However, according to Pumpuni, no such incident occurred during Rawlings’ service in the Ghana Air Force.

Military Regulations Would Not Allow Such a Stunt

Speaking during an interview with broadcaster Kafui Dey, the retired Air Force officer explained that flying a military aircraft under a bridge would be a serious violation of aviation safety protocols and military discipline.

He stressed that such a manoeuvre would have been extremely dangerous and completely unacceptable under Ghana Air Force operational rules.

According to him, if any pilot had attempted such an act, the individual would likely have faced severe disciplinary measures.

“In the Air Force, actions like that would not be tolerated,” he explained, adding that any pilot who attempted to fly beneath a bridge would almost certainly be subjected to strict punishment, possibly including a court-martial.

Pumpuni, therefore, urged the public to treat the story as folklore rather than a verified historical event.

A Popular Story That Became Part of Political Folklore

For many years, the story that Rawlings once flew under the Adomi Bridge has been widely shared across Ghana. It has appeared in conversations about the former leader’s daring personality and military background.

The Adomi Bridge, which spans the Volta River and connects parts of the Eastern Region to the Volta Region, is one of Ghana’s most recognisable infrastructure landmarks. Because of its iconic status, the story gained popularity and became embedded in Ghana’s political folklore.

However, aviation professionals and former military officers have repeatedly pointed out that there is no official record or credible evidence supporting the claim.

Pumpuni’s remarks add to previous clarifications from individuals familiar with Ghana’s military aviation history who say the incident never occurred.

Rawlings’ Career as a Pilot and Political Leader

Jerry John Rawlings served as a pilot in the Ghana Armed Forces before rising to national prominence in 1979 when he led a military uprising that changed the country’s political landscape.

He later led Ghana under military rule before transitioning the country to democratic governance in the early 1990s. Rawlings subsequently served as Ghana’s democratically elected president from 1993 until 2001.

During his leadership, he played a significant role in shaping Ghana’s Fourth Republic and remained an influential figure in the country’s political life until his death in November 2020.

Separating History from Myth

Although stories about Rawlings’ daring nature continue to circulate among the public, Air Commodore Pumpuni believes it is important to separate historical fact from widely repeated myths.

According to him, while Rawlings was a trained and capable pilot, the claim that he flew an aircraft beneath the Adomi Bridge is not supported by any credible evidence.

As a result, the retired Air Force officer insists the story should not be presented as part of Ghana’s verified aviation history.

Watch the interview here: