By King Amoah l
The world mourns the passing of former US President Jimmy Carter, a man whose legacy resonates far beyond the borders of the United States.
Very Rev. Jubilant Boakye Danquah, who studied at the Atlanta University Centre Divine School (ICT) and currently serves as President of the African Students Union and General Secretary of the Asanteman Association of Georgia Atlanta, offers a poignant tribute, sharing his perspective as both an African scholar and an individual deeply impacted by Carter’s life and work.
Rev. Danquah’s tribute, directed towards the American people, the Carter family, and the global community, reflects a profound understanding and respect for the late president.
He acknowledges President Carter, who lived a remarkable life of 100 years before passing away on December 28, 2024, not just as a political figure, but as a man of deep faith and unwavering principle.
“President Jimmy Carter was not just a leader, but a servant,” Rev. Danquah states, reflecting on Carter’s multifaceted life. Born on October 1st, 1924, Carter’s journey included service as a US Naval Officer, a peanut farmer, a Sunday school teacher, and eventually, Governor of Georgia in 1970.
His marriage to Rosalynn, a partnership spanning 77 years, was a testament to his commitment to family and faith, with the two always sharing the “good news” with each other and others.
Rev. Danquah highlights significant moments from Carter’s presidency and post-presidency, noting the 1979 Iran Hostage Crisis, his election as the 39th President of the United States in 1976, and his recognition as the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
He recognizes the significance of the Jimmy Carter Center and Presidential Library, institutions that underscore Carter’s dedication to peace, human rights, and global health.
Carter’s impact extends beyond politics, as Rev. Danquah emphasizes his work as a “Cold War champion” and his advocacy for “civilian rights.” He specifically mentions Carter’s role in preventing the military amputation of Sierra Leonean soldiers and his efforts to alleviate the suffering of Sierra Leonean youth.
Furthermore, Rev. Danquah speaks with deep appreciation of Carter’s humanitarian work, citing his efforts to combat guinea worm disease in Nsawkaw, Ghana, illustrating the broad impact of his compassion.
The tribute underscores Carter’s unwavering commitment to peace and diplomacy. Rev. Danquah acknowledges Carter’s diplomatic intelligence and principled approach, particularly in managing nuclear weapons proliferation in Iran and Iraq.
He also recognizes him as the originator of the Camp David Accords, highlighting his ability to forge peace and creating a “blueprint for future of American presidents.”
“President Carter lived a life of service, sharing love to people of all manners without discrimination,” Rev. Danquah observes. He paints a picture of a man who was both “very diplomatic” and “God-fearing” – a man whose work, he argues, resonated deeply with world leaders and academic professionals alike.
Rev. Danquah notes that President Carter’s passing is “a big blow not just to Americans, but to the entire continent.”
In closing, Very Rev. Jubilant Boakye Danquah offers a message of peace and remembrance, stating, “May his soul rest in perfect peace.” His tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the global impact of President Jimmy Carter’s life—a legacy of service, humanity, and peace that continues to inspire people worldwide.
