Nana Yaa Jantuah, a Presidential Staffer, has urged Ghanaians and Africans to recommit to the vision of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. She made the call at a programme in Accra on Thursday, organised by the West Africa International Press Limited and the Nkrumah Vision Alive Movement. Nana Yaa Jantuah emphasized that Dr. Nkrumah's vision of Ghana's independence went beyond political freedom and was fundamentally linked to Africa's economic liberation.
Nana Yaa Jantuah highlighted the ongoing struggle for economic sovereignty in Ghana, citing the country's reliance on international financial institutions and foreign influence over economic decisions. She quoted Dr. Nkrumah's declaration at independence that "Ghana's freedom would be meaningless unless it was linked to the total liberation of Africa." Nana Yaa Jantuah stressed that his vision remained relevant to Ghana and the continent, urging Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to reconnect with Dr. Nkrumah's ideas.
Nana Yaa Jantuah pointed to Dr. Nkrumah's industrialisation programme as a key aspect of his vision. She cited the establishment of factories and infrastructure during his administration, such as the Akosombo Dam, the Kumasi Pencil Factory, and meat-processing facilities. These initiatives, she noted, aimed to create employment and link production with supporting economic activities. Nana Yaa Jantuah proposed that Ghana develop a long-term national economic development plan that would survive changes in government.
The programme also heard from Dr. Dee Otibu-Asare, Executive Director of West Africa International Press Limited. He called on the Government to intensify efforts to preserve and promote Dr. Nkrumah's legacy. Dr. Otibu-Asare proposed the revival of state farms, a modified Ghana Young Pioneers programme, and the restoration of Dr. Nkrumah's portrait on Ghana's currency. He noted that the organisation had published a special birthday edition in Dr. Nkrumah's honour and organised annual conferences dedicated to his legacy.
Professor Samuel Aniegye Ntewusu, Director of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, urged Ghanaians to continue drawing on Dr. Nkrumah's legacy to build the country and Africa. He emphasized the importance of learning from Dr. Nkrumah's ideas and experiences. Certificates and plaques were presented to some Ghanaian leaders who had contributed to the country's development during the programme.
The programme also saw the launch of a book, "Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah: 20 Questions and Answers," compiled by the Nkrumah Vision Alive Movement. The book highlights the philosophy and ideology of Ghana's first President. Nana Yaa Jantuah also touched on the issue of reparations for Africans and people of African descent, citing historical exploitation through slavery and colonialism as a basis for redress.
The event was part of a broader commemoration of Dr. Nkrumah's legacy, with various speakers and stakeholders emphasizing the need for Ghana and Africa to draw inspiration from his vision. Key points from the programme include the need for a renewed commitment to economic independence and Pan-African unity, the importance of learning from Dr. Nkrumah's industrialisation programme, and the proposal for a long-term national economic development plan.
Key points
- Nana Yaa Jantuah calls for renewed commitment to Kwame Nkrumah's vision of economic independence and Pan-African unity.
- Dr. Nkrumah's vision remains relevant to Ghana and the continent, with ongoing struggles for economic sovereignty.
- The programme proposed initiatives to preserve and promote Dr. Nkrumah's legacy, including the revival of state farms and a modified Ghana Young Pioneers programme.
