In history, Dr Kwame Nkrumah played a pivotal role in Ghana’s quest for independence from British rule and was the founder of the Convention People’s Party (CPP).
His legacy in Ghana, Africa, and the diaspora resonates with both the young and old. Eighty-five-year-old Agnes Hammond recounted the days of Kwame Nkrumah when he spearheaded the Gold Coast’s independence movement and its transformation into modern-day Ghana.
“I witnessed everything when he assumed his role as Ghana’s first Prime Minister in 1952 and later became our first President. Nkrumah did a lot for Ghana. He sacrificed and dedicated his entire life to Ghanaians. I think we should celebrate him more that we do now,” Agnes said.
Best known for his saying, “Forward ever, backward never,” the visionary leader, as described by many, remains a towering figure in Africa. Commemorating Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day in honour of his birthday on September 21, a tourist from Ethiopia, Akalu Abraham, said Ghana and Ethiopia’s social and economic ties stem from Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s resolve to foster unity among Africans.
“This is my first time visiting Ghana. I have already been to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and I was touched by every bit of his story I heard at the tourist site. Indeed, I was touched by his selfless spirit. Ghana and Ethiopia have a good connection, right from the time when he visited Ethiopia in 1963 with other great leaders to establish the Organisation of African Union, now African Union,” Akalu Abraham reiterated that Kwame Nkrumah is a true definition of a visionary leader and an influential advocate of Pan-Africanism.
“I love that man. He is a very great man, he is a warrior and a Pan-Africanist you cannot find now. I believe African youth have a lot to learn from this great leader.” He further said.
For most well-meaning Ghanaians, Kwame Nkrumah made Ghana a beacon of hope, not only for Ghanaians but also for people of African descent throughout the world.
Most High, a Ghanaian who is a believer of Nkrumaism emphasised that Kwame Nkrumah was the first to articulate a theory of liberation for African people.
“No leader ever did that, or even has done that, unless Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah. African people continue to forge the necessary ideological unity among our people at home and abroad because of him”. He added.
During his era, there was no electoral violence so Ghanaians can learn from his peaceful nature, Walter said, as he underscored Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution to World Peace and African Unity.
“Some people may not agree to the fact that he is a man of peace, but I certainly know he is a freedom fighter and a peacemaker. His life and legacy are worth emulating.” Walter emphasised.
Dr. Nkrumah was born on September 21,1909, in Nkroful, near Axim, in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region. He led the then Gold Coast to attain independence from the United Kingdom on March 6, 1957.
On July 1, 1960, when Ghana attained the status of a republic, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah became President and led Ghana until his overthrow in a coup on February 24, 1966. Nkrumah’s leadership was marked by socialist policies and significant national projects aimed at strengthening the economy and the educational system.
By Akua Oforiwaa Darko