The family of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, led by his daughter, Samia Yaba Nkrumah, has returned to Nkroful with a renewed commitment to supporting efforts to preserve and promote the former President's ideals among Ghana's younger generation. Speaking at the 2026 NkrumahFest held at Nkroful in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, Samia Yaba Nkrumah opened up about the family's prolonged absence from their ancestral home. She explained that the painful experiences surrounding her father's political life had left the family traumatised and fearful.
Samia Yaba Nkrumah apologized to the people of Nkroful for what she described as the family's long absence from their "home." She said, "I want you to forgive us for staying away from our home for so long." According to her, the family witnessed the personal cost Nkrumah paid for his commitment to Ghana and Africa, including surviving assassination attempts. She recalled seeing her father wounded and covered in blood following one of the attempts on his life, saying the experiences deeply affected the family.
Samia Yaba Nkrumah introduced three of Osagyefo's grandchildren who accompanied her to the event, describing their presence as a source of pride for the family. She said the family's return was not simply about honouring Nkrumah as a historical figure but about recognising his ideas and ensuring that they continue to inspire future generations. The family had now decided to return and contribute to Ghana's development, unity, and progress.
Samia Yaba Nkrumah challenged what she described as negative narratives surrounding the 1966 overthrow of her father's government. She recalled the statue of Nkrumah at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Museum in Accra, whose head was severed from its body following the overthrow. According to her, the destruction of the statue and celebrations surrounding the coup did not represent the feelings of all Ghanaians at the time.
Samia Yaba Nkrumah expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations working to document what she considers to be a more accurate account of Nkrumah's life and legacy. She said the unveiling of a new statue of Nkrumah at a roundabout in Sunyani had deeply moved her, particularly because of the contrast with the earlier destruction of his statue. The new statue represented more than a monument to Nkrumah, describing it as symbolic of the revival of the ideas associated with his leadership.
Samia Yaba Nkrumah pledged the Nkrumah family's continued support for the NkrumahFest initiative, commending the organisers for using the platform to introduce younger generations to Nkrumah's ideas. She particularly acknowledged the efforts of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who is a convener of the festival. The Nkrumah family will always support what Honourable Buah is doing with NkrumahFest.
The 2026 NkrumahFest at Nkroful brought together members of the Nkrumah family, political leaders, academics, Pan-Africanists, traditional authorities, young people, and guests from across Africa to commemorate the legacy of Ghana's first President and reflect on his vision for Ghana and the African continent. The event aimed at helping reconnect young Ghanaians and Africans with Nkrumah's philosophy and Pan-African vision.
Key points
- Samia Nkrumah seeks forgiveness for the family's long absence from Nkroful.
- The Nkrumah family pledges support for the NkrumahFest initiative.
- Samia Nkrumah challenges negative narratives surrounding the 1966 overthrow of her father's government.
