Kwame Nkrumah Not Ghana's Sole Founder - Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reignited the long-standing debate over the founding of Ghana by arguing that the nation's independence was achieved through a collective effort spanning several generations, rather than the singular vision of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. 

In a national broadcast on the eve of the 2024 Founders' Day anniversary, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged Kwame Nkrumah’s significant contributions but emphasized the roles of various individuals and groups in the struggle for independence. He stated, “While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable and unassailable, it is important to acknowledge, for our self-respect, that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations.”

The President highlighted the contributions of organizations like the Aborigines Rights Protection Society and the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), and individuals such as Joseph Casely Hayford and Thomas Hutton-Mills, who played pivotal roles in the journey to independence. He pointed out that Parliament approved August 4 as Founders' Day in 2018 to honor the various actors who contributed to Ghana's independence, while September 21 was designated as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day.

Political and Academic Reactions

The President's remarks have sparked a debate among historians and political analysts. Governance expert Professor Baffour Agyemang-Duah expressed concern over what he sees as unnecessary controversy stirred by the President. “I think our President is needlessly stirring up controversy. Politicians don't write history; they make history," he stated. 

Prof. Agyemang-Duah underscored the collaborative nature of the struggle for independence, noting that even Nkrumah's rise to leadership was facilitated by the UGCC, which sought a younger, dynamic leader to advance their cause. "The fact that they wanted someone to come to help organise and fight for independence meant that all of them shared the same objective," he explained.

Collective Efforts Recognized

President Akufo-Addo elaborated on the contributions of UGCC leaders, including George Grant, J.B. Danquah, Obetsebi Lamptey, William Ofori-Atta, Edward Akufo-Addo, Ebenezer Ako Adjei, Kwabena Kesse, and Kwame Nkrumah. He noted their tireless work to educate and inspire the populace, organizing rallies and meetings that raised awareness of the need for independence.

"Their message resonated with Ghanaians from all walks of life, sparking a movement that would eventually lead to the liberation of our nation,” President Akufo-Addo asserted.

The Role of Historians

Prof. Agyemang-Duah called on politicians to focus on governance and leave the writing of history to historians. He emphasized that Nkrumah's leadership was indeed instrumental but not exclusive, and that the broader narrative of Ghana's path to independence should be documented by historians. "They should do their politics, and allow historians to write the history. I'm hoping that there are competent Ghanaian historians who will write the true history of our country," he said.

Conclusion

As Ghana commemorates Founders' Day, the debate over the nation's founding narrative continues. While President Akufo-Addo's remarks have sparked controversy, they also underscore the importance of recognizing the collective efforts of all who contributed to Ghana's independence. This nuanced understanding of history serves not only as a tribute to the past but also as a guide for future generations.