President Akuffo Addo’s recent assertion that Ghana was not founded by one man Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is a misguided attempt to rewrite our history.
As a nation, we must not allow political expediency to cloud our judgment and distort the facts. The evidence is overwhelming and it’s imperative to know that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was the founder of modern Ghana and his contributions to our independence and freedom are unparalleled.
In every nation’s history there are key figures or personalities who have played a significant role in shaping its destiny. George Washington is revered as the founder of the United States just as Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated as the father of Indian independence. Similarly, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is the Osageyefo (Redeemer) of Ghana whose vision, leadership and sacrifices led to our liberation from colonial rule.
Osageyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to Ghana’s independence were multifaceted. He was the principal architect of the nation’s liberation movement mobilizing the masses through his Convention People’s Party (CPP) .
His charismatic leadership and oratory skills inspired a generation of Ghanaians to demand self-rule. His famous slogan, ” Positive Action ” campaign, which advocated for non-violent resistance culminated in the country’s independence on March 6, 1957 .
However , Osageyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s impact went beyond mere political agitation. He was a visionary who laid the foundation for Ghana’s economic and social development. He established key state institutions such as the Volta River Authority, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Volta Aluminum Company ( Valco) and the University of Ghana. His industrialization policies and establishment of state-owned enterprises aimed to break the shackles of colonial economic dependency.
Globally, Nkrumah was a leading figure in the Pan-African movement championing African unity and solidarity. He hosted the 1965 African Heads of State Summit in Accra which led to the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), precursor to the African Union (AU).
In conclusion, President Akuffo Addo’s assertion is a disservice to history and an insult to the memory of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The evidence is clear that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was the founder of modern Ghana whose tireless efforts and visionary leadership led to our independence and freedom. We must not allow political revisionism to erase his legacy rather.we should celebrate and honor his contributions to our nation-building.
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Berima Owusu ~ Akuapem North
