The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has lauded Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah as a pivotal figure in Ghana's formation. Speaking at the launch of Nkrumah Fest, an initiative by Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Mr Asiedu Nketiah emphasized Dr Nkrumah's unique role in uniting territories that previously existed as separate entities. He noted that Dr Nkrumah's contributions to Ghana's independence struggle went beyond securing freedom for the Gold Coast.
According to Mr Asiedu Nketiah, prior to Dr Nkrumah's emergence, the struggles for independence were largely confined to the Gold Coast colony, which covered areas including the present-day Western, Central, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions, as well as parts of the Volta Region. The Ashanti Kingdom, Northern Territories, and Trans-Volta Togoland were separate political entities that had to be integrated into the new nation. Dr Nkrumah's leadership played a crucial role in bringing these territories together.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah highlighted that Trans-Volta Togoland came under British administration following Germany's defeat in World War I. He stressed that Dr Nkrumah's vision and leadership helped create a unified Ghana, saying, "Before Nkrumah came to the scene, there was nothing like Ghana." The NDC Chairman emphasized that attempts to diminish Dr Nkrumah's contributions to Ghana's history are misguided.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah's appreciation for Dr Nkrumah's legacy was shaped by his personal experience of benefiting from policies introduced during the Nkrumah era. As a child in Seikwa, he was selected by the Young Pioneers and provided with educational opportunities through the free compulsory universal basic education policy. This experience influenced his decision to study Dr Nkrumah's works and help preserve his legacy.
The NDC Chairman commended Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah for establishing Nkrumah Fest, which provides an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on Dr Nkrumah's contributions and correct attempts to denigrate his name and legacy. He noted that Dr Nkrumah's recognition beyond Ghana's borders, including his designation as African of the Century, should encourage Ghanaians to properly acknowledge his role in shaping the country's history.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah reiterated that no other politician or nationalist can compare to Dr Nkrumah in terms of his contributions to Ghana's formation. He urged Ghanaians to honor Dr Nkrumah's legacy and recognize his enduring impact on the country's development. The NDC Chairman's remarks were made on September 20, 2026, during the launch of Nkrumah Fest.
The event, organized by Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, aims to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Dr Nkrumah's life and legacy. Mr Asiedu Nketiah's speech underscored the significance of Dr Nkrumah's vision and leadership in shaping Ghana's history and identity. Key points from his address include Dr Nkrumah's crucial role in uniting Ghana's territories, his lasting impact on the country's development, and the need to preserve his legacy for future generations.
Key points
- Dr Nkrumah played a unique role in bringing together territories that previously existed as separate entities to form Ghana.
- The NDC Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, emphasized that attempts to diminish Dr Nkrumah's contributions to Ghana's history are misguided.
- Dr Nkrumah was recognized as African of the Century, underscoring his enduring impact on Ghana and the continent.
