NPP Communications Team member, Enoch Fordjour Akey, has called for a more open discussion of the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, arguing that his achievements must be considered alongside the controversies surrounding his administration.
Speaking on The AM Club, Mr. Akey said Ghanaian society should be willing to discuss what he described as Nkrumah’s flaws, particularly to ensure that future governments do not repeat mistakes of the past.
“When we get the opportunity, it’s important that we let the Ghanaian people know what he did and his flaws, so that the next generation will be able to learn from the flaws, so they do not repeat the same mistake.”
He said discussions about Nkrumah’s legacy are sometimes met with resistance because of the reverence attached to the former president.
“It’s as if in this country, if you want to talk about the flaws of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, you have to be a little careful.”
Mr. Akey specifically referenced the Preventive Detention Act, arguing that it remains an important part of Ghana’s history that should not be overlooked.
“In 1950, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah brought the Prevention Detention Act. Yes, it is part of our history.”
He further argued that examining such historical events could help Ghana recognise potential threats to citizens’ rights and freedoms under subsequent administrations.
According to him, Ghana’s constitutional framework is intended to protect the fundamental rights and liberties of citizens, and governments must be held to that standard.
“The Constitution of the country, since 1957 till date, the fundamental core values protect the rights and freedoms of the people.”
Mr. Akey nevertheless acknowledged Nkrumah’s contribution to Ghana’s development, citing industrialisation and infrastructure among his achievements.
“We can sit here and praise Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for implementing some brilliant policies he wrote that in this country.”
He also referred to the Tema Harbour, acknowledging Nkrumah’s role while noting that the project had been initiated before independence.
“It was completed by him, but it was started by our colonial masters. Yes, but we can give the greater achievement to him.”
Mr. Akey maintained that acknowledging Nkrumah’s contribution does not require Ghana to ignore the controversies associated with his administration.
“We cannot rewrite the history of the country. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah played his role. We can give it to him.”
He concluded by stressing the need for Ghana to preserve a comprehensive historical record, including the contributions of others who played roles in the country’s independence.
“We cannot write the history of this country without mentioning Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.”
