Dr. Yao Graham, Coordinator of the Third World Network, has waded into ongoing controversy about the founding fathers of Ghana, describing as parochial a proposal by President Akufo-Addo to have August 4th as Founders’ Day.
This proposal is contrary to the commemoration of September 21, the birth of Kwame Nkrumah, which was enacted by the previous NDC administration to solely recognize him as the country’s founder.
President Akufo-Addo had previously called for a national dialogue on the issue and wondered why it should be treated as a “political football.â€
Currently at the UN General Assembly for a summit, he gave indications about plans to celebrate other eminent persons such as Paa Grant, Ako-Adjei, JB Danquah and many others who contributed to the liberation struggle against the British.
But the proposal has been shot down by pro Nkrumahists who say the proposition is not only unfortunate but attempts by those from the UP stock to undermine Dr. Nkrumah’s legacy in the country’s history.
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Speaking in a radio discussion, Dr. Graham said though he acknowledges the role played by elements from within the United Gold Coast Convention, UGCC, Nkrumah towers above them all and nothing can be done to undermine that.
“There is an attempt to make this country history the history of big men,†he said.
He said though Dr. Nkrumah had his faults as the leader, he remains the most “outstanding†leader in the country’s history and efforts to undermine his personality will not stand the test of time.
Dr. Vladmir Antiw Danso, who was also speaking in the same discussion, said it is impossible for one person to be recognized as the founder of Ghana, ignoring the contributions of those who played a major role in the struggle.
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