Stephen Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, a Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), has rejected an analysis and attempts to rewrite Ghana’s history to elevate what he termed the ‘Big Five’.
He was of the opinion that rewriting the country’s history to elevate certain individuals was not healthy for a comprehensive understanding of the past and appreciating the rich heritage that defines the country.
Mr Asare further called on Ghanaians to end the ‘Founders’ Day’ debate, stating that ” Let us begin with Kwame Nkrumah, often referred to as the indisputable founder of Ghana. This title is not to be taken literally, as if Ghana were lost and he found it. Rather, it signifies his leadership in steering our country towards independence. Just as we say Azikiwe founded Nigeria, Nyerere Tanzania, and Kenyatta Kenya, we must acknowledge Nkrumah’s pivotal role. The Founders’ debate is a myth and must end.”
In a Facebook post, the renowned legal practitioner said ” To say that Nkrumah is the founder of Ghana is not to say anything about how he administered Ghana after the founding. He certainly did many good things, including introducing free education, Africanization of the civil service, and unparalleled massive infrastructure development. Nonetheless, GOGO has on many occasions condemned the PDA and his poor human rights record.”
Read the full Facebook post below:
“It is crucial to recognize that different people were responsible for different things in our history. We must also recognize that one can excel in one area while facing challenges in another.
Let us begin with Kwame Nkrumah, often referred to as the indisputable founder of Ghana. This title is not to be taken literally, as if Ghana were lost and he found it. Rather, it signifies his leadership in steering our country towards independence. Just as we say Azikiwe founded Nigeria, Nyerere Tanzania, and Kenyatta Kenya, we must acknowledge Nkrumah’s pivotal role. The Founders’ debate is a myth and must end.
Of course, he did not achieve this monumental task alone. Nobody does. The struggle for independence was a collective effort. Many dedicated members of the CPP like Kojo Botsio, Komla Agbeli Gbedemah, Dzenkle Dzewu, Kofi Baako, and others stood by his side. Their contributions were instrumental in our journey to independence. Others before them, as far back as the early twentieth century, played their part. The Big 5 played a minor role and were often at cross purposes with Nkrumah. It is pointless to rewrite history to elevate their role.
To say that Nkrumah is the founder of Ghana is not to say anything about how he administered Ghana after the founding. He certainly did many good things, including introducing free education, Africanization of the civil service, and unparalleled massive infrastructure development. Nonetheless, GOGO has on many occasions condemned the PDA and his poor human rights record.
Now, let us turn our attention to J.B. Danquah, a man whose political career with the UGCC may not have been as successful, but whose legacy as a defender of civil liberties is unparalleled. Danquah was not a very successful politician, but he excelled as the lawyer who staunchly defended liberties during the Preventive Detention Act (PDA) days. In this regard, he can be aptly described as the Father of the Rule of Law in Ghana.
Our history is too centered on the Gold Coast Colony, but it is crucial to recognize the broader contributions across our nation. Take, for instance, Yaa Asantewaa, who did more to resist colonization than the so-called Big 5, whose primary claim to fame was their arrest following the 1948 riots.
Let us spend some time on the 1948 arrest. These riots erupted after the tragic shooting of three ex-servicemen who were petitioning the government for better benefits post-World War II. The colonial government assumed that the UGCC was responsible for the unrest, leading to the arrest of six leaders, including Nkrumah and Danquah.
This arrest marked a significant rift between Nkrumah and the other leaders, who blamed him for the riots and their subsequent detention.
Following their release, Nkrumah alone was instrumental in establishing Ghana National College to support those who were dismissed from school for participating in the strikes. His initiatives did not stop there. He founded the Accra Evening News and the CYO, which eventually broke away from the UGCC with the motto “Self-Government Now.”
UGCC fizzled after this breakaway and worked at cross purposes with the CPP. It is a torture of historical facts to credit the Big 5 with the founding of Ghana even if we were to admit there are numerous founders.
To conclude, it is vital to recognize and honor the varied contributions of all individuals in our history. Each played a unique role, and their combined efforts have shaped the Ghana we know today.
By acknowledging their diverse contributions, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of our past and can better appreciate the rich heritage that defines us.
#SALL is the cardinal sin of the 8th Parliament.
Da Yie!”
