The Lands and Natural Resources Minister and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has unveiled the Osagyefo Roundabout at Sanzule near Eikwe in Ghana. This monument was unveiled as part of activities marking the 117th anniversary of Dr Kwame Nkrumah's birth. Dr Nkrumah was Ghana's first President and a key figure in the country's independence struggle and the liberation of Africa.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Kenyan lawyer and Pan-Africanist, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba. Mr Armah-Kofi Buah highlighted Nzema's contribution to Ghana's independence struggle, noting that the region produced Dr Nkrumah, a prominent leader. He mentioned that following Dr Nkrumah's overthrow, the area experienced over three decades of challenges. There were also attempts to erase Dr Nkrumah's name and image from Ghana's history.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah described the Osagyefo Roundabout as a symbol of self-reliance, reflecting Dr Nkrumah's vision of a Ghana that could determine its own development path. He emphasized that Ghana could no longer rely on its former colonizers. The Minister also announced plans to renovate Dr Nkrumah's residence in Half-Assini, his father's hometown, next year to preserve his memory and legacy.
Professor Lumumba commended Mr Armah-Kofi Buah for the initiative, saying Dr Nkrumah deserved lasting recognition for his contribution to Pan-Africanism. He noted that Dr Nkrumah's legacy endured due to the ideals, memories, and philosophy associated with his leadership. Dr Nkrumah's impact on Ghana and Africa continues to be celebrated.
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, highlighted the historical connection between Nzema and Ghana's independence struggle. He noted that two prominent figures, Paa Grant and Dr Nkrumah, were both sons of Nzema. Mr Asiedu Nketiah said previous attempts to erase Dr Nkrumah's name from Ghana's history had failed.
Dr Nkrumah's daughter, Samia Yaba Nkrumah, expressed appreciation to Mr Armah-Kofi Buah for honouring her father. She said the family looked forward to seeing more people in contemporary governance embody the ideals associated with Dr Nkrumah, particularly freedom, development, prosperity, and self-reliance. The family is grateful for the recognition.
The unveiling of the Osagyefo Roundabout adds another public monument dedicated to Dr Nkrumah's memory and his contribution to Ghana's independence and Pan-Africanism. Dr Nkrumah was recognised as an African Man of the Millennium, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in Ghana and beyond. The government and people of Ghana are committed to preserving his memory.
Key points
- The Osagyefo Roundabout was unveiled to commemorate Dr Kwame Nkrumah's 117th birthday anniversary.
- The monument symbolizes self-reliance and Dr Nkrumah's vision for Ghana's development.
- The government plans to renovate Dr Nkrumah's residence in Half-Assini to preserve his legacy.
