The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged Ghanaians and Africans to renew their commitment to the ideals championed by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He made the call at the 2026 edition of the NkrumahFest held at Nkroful in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region. The celebration, themed "Nkrumah @ 117: Celebrating His Enduring Legacy – Africa Must Unite or Perish," brought together traditional leaders, political leaders, academics, and members of the public to commemorate Nkrumah's life and legacy.
According to Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah, the NkrumahFest was not merely a commemoration but an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on whether the country and the continent were building the future envisioned by Dr. Nkrumah. He said the gathering was intended to inspire a new generation to preserve and advance Nkrumah's ideals. Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah, also the Convener of the NkrumahFest, emphasized that the celebration was a call to recommit to the ideals of self-determination, Pan-Africanism, and shared prosperity that Nkrumah lived and died for.
Reflecting on Dr. Nkrumah's 117th birthday, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah said his legacy should not be reduced to statues, photographs, or historical commemorations but should be measured by the institutions and infrastructure associated with his era. He cited the Akosombo Dam, Tema Harbour, Adomi Bridge, the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Cape Coast, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Bank of Ghana, and State Housing Corporation as examples of institutions and projects whose impact continues to be felt decades after Nkrumah's death.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah argued that many of Nkrumah's major development initiatives were conceived with future generations in mind rather than immediate political gains. He said Nkrumah's developmental projects and vision were never conceived for the next election but for the next generation. This distinction, he emphasized, remained important for contemporary leaders as Ghana continued to pursue national development.
The Minister described Dr. Nkrumah as a leader whose vision extended beyond Ghana's independence to the political and economic unity of Africa. He said Nkrumah's Pan-African vision was based on the belief that African countries shared a common history, aspirations, and destiny despite the borders created during the colonial era. Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah quoted Dr. Nkrumah, saying, "We face neither East nor West, we face forward."
According to Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah, the continued difficulties associated with movement and integration across African borders demonstrate the need to revisit Nkrumah's vision of continental unity. He cited the experience of relatives traveling from Côte d'Ivoire to Ghana, who spent almost two hours at the Elubo border. He urged Ghanaians to make Nkrumah's vision relevant to contemporary national challenges by embracing self-reliance, innovation, and a commitment to development.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah also used the occasion to call for stronger public support for efforts to combat illegal mining and environmental degradation. As Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, he urged citizens to help protect Ghana's rivers, forests, and other natural resources for future generations. He said protecting the country's natural resource base should be regarded as a civic responsibility and an important part of preserving Ghana's inheritance for generations yet unborn.
Key points
- Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah calls for Ghanaians and Africans to recommit to Nkrumah's ideals of self-determination, Pan-Africanism, and shared prosperity.
- The NkrumahFest was held at Nkroful in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region to commemorate Nkrumah's life and legacy.
- Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah urges Ghanaians to make Nkrumah's vision relevant to contemporary national challenges by embracing self-reliance, innovation, and a commitment to development.
