Accra, Ghana – On August 3, 2024, President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered a significant address marking Founders’ Day, a national holiday commemorating Ghana’s independence.
“I speak to you this evening rejecting completely the notion that Ghana was founded by one man,” President Akufo-Addo stated, setting the tone for his address.
“While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable and unassailable, it is important to acknowledge for our self-respect that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations,” he continued.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of recognizing the collective efforts of Ghanaians who contributed to the country’s struggle for independence.
“The formation of the Aborigines Rights Protection Society, the British West African National Congress, jointly sponsored by Joseph K. Staheford and Thomas Hutton Mills, the United Gold Coast Convention, the work of countless unsung heroes, and the tenacious spirit of our people all played vital parts in bringing us to freedom and independence,” he said.
He acknowledged the significant contributions of Kwame Nkrumah, saying: “Kwame Nkrumah, with his charismatic visionary leadership, was undoubtedly a major actor in the final lap of our journey to independence.”
However, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that Nkrumah’s efforts were part of a broader collective endeavor. “But it was not a solo effort,” he noted.
The President highlighted the crucial roles played by various organizations, saying: “These organizations, along with countless unsung heroes, worked tirelessly to shape our history and secure our independence.”
He also recognized the importance of the Ghanaian people’s spirit, saying: “Our people’s unwavering determination and resilience were the driving forces behind our independence.”
In a nod to Nkrumah’s legacy, President Akufo-Addo noted that in 2019, Parliament designated Nkrumah’s birthday, September 21, as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, a testament to his enduring impact on Ghana’s independence.
