President Akufo-Addo’s recent declaration that he rejects any narrative suggesting that Ghana was founded by a single individual, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, has stirred significant debate and controversy among academics, historians, and political activists.
In a statement, the President emphasized the crucial roles played by other notable figures, including JB Danquah, in Ghana’s journey to independence.
This assertion has not only sparked mixed reactions but has also reignited the long-standing debate over the rightful attribution of Ghana’s founding.
Leading academics have been vocal in their criticisms of President Akufo-Addo’s remarks. Most notably, Professor Ransford Van Gyampo, a Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, in a detailed critique, argued for a historical consensus that recognizes Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as the sole founder of Ghana.
In his comprehensive statement, Professor Gyampo stressed that the establishment of Founders’ Day should stem from a plea for recognition and consensus, rather than an attempt by the government to rewrite Ghana’s political history.
“Six people were arrested for instigating the 1948 riot. Five of them denied involvement and pointed to Nkrumah as the agitator. Nkrumah boldly indicated his support for the riot and positive defiance of colonialism. We must go back to read our own history and stop the baseless insistence for glory sharing.
“A mere rejection of historical fact by one man, and even by a whole regime cannot nullify history. This government cannot rewrite Ghana’s political history; it is just not possible. The best they can do is to temporarily play with ‘apostrophe s and s apostrophe.’ But this is transient. We know our history.”
Professor Ransford Van Gyampo, Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana
Professor Gyampo firmly believes that JB Danquah and his contemporaries hindered the efforts toward founding Ghana.
He argued that it is illogical to suddenly insert those who frustrated the fight for independence as key players in the struggle.
To substantiate his point, he referenced a letter authored by JB Danquah, highlighting how the actions of Danquah and others were counterproductive to the independence movement.
However, Professor Gyampo acknowledged the pioneering roles played by the UGCC, particularly in forming the first political party in the Gold Coast and inviting Nkrumah to serve as its General Secretary.
He suggested that there can be a negotiated and consensus-based recognition of the UGCC’s contributions to Ghana’s founding.
“On account of some of the pioneering roles the UGCC played, particularly in serving as the first political party to be formed in the Gold Coast and the party’s subsequent invitation of Nkrumah to serve as its General Secretary, we can negotiate and by consensus, insert the UGCC people somewhere as far as the founding of Ghana is concerned”.
Professor Ransford Van Gyampo, Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana
Nevertheless, Professor Gyampo maintained that until such consensus is reached, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah remains the sole founder of Ghana, similar to the singular founders recognized in countries like Kenya and Guinea.
Emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy and consensus, Professor Gyampo warns against attempts to alter history by force or through imposition.
He advocated for dialogue and consensus-building to acknowledge the roles others played in the quest for independence, but insisted that the idea of Founders’ Day can only be accepted and properly institutionalized through nationwide consensus and not through the whims of any regime.
In a call to action, Professor Gyampo urged Ghanaians to revisit their history and recognize that without consensus, any modifications to the historical narrative are temporary.
He concluded, “We must go back to our history! We must note that without consensus, what we have done to our history is temporary, as the political history of Ghana would by all means go back to its ‘factory settings”.
