Speaker Weighs in on Ghana’s Independence Struggle Debate; says wasn't a one-man show

Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, has given his take on the ensuing debate regarding ‘heroes’ in the road to Ghana’s independence.

In his opinion, one individual cannot be credited for Ghana’s independence from British rule. Rather, he said, it was a collective effort by certain key individuals.

He opined that although Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah played a significant role in the in securing the country’s independence, other persons similarly contributed to the quest and deserve recognition for their roles played in liberating the masses.

“Independence was not a one-man show. It was a collective effort and it is important for us to continue to appreciate the full dynamics thereof and the various ingredients that make a beautiful melody. That made this nation the first Africa country to win independence from the British,”

He made these remarks delivering a lecture to commemorate the 2nd Founders’ Day in Accra Tuesday [August 4, 2020].

Prof Oquaye said the diverse roles played by the founding fathers that culminated in the attainment of the common goal of independence meant that Ghanaians needed unity of purpose to develop the country.

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The question of who founded Ghana generated controversy in the past

While some Ghanaians recognised the first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as the sole Founder of the country, many others argued that other leaders played key roles in the founding of Ghana.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Convention People’s Party’s (CPP) have been notable critics of the idea of ‘Founders’ day” instead of ‘founder’s day’

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has already indicated its intention to cancel the August 4 observation of Founders’ it returns to power.

Prior to the passing of the Public Holiday Amendment Bill into law in March 2019, September 21st which is the birthday of Ghana’s first democratically-elected, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was regarded as the Founder’s Day.

August 4 became the founders day in spite of criticisms in regards to alleged attempts to 'dilute history'

August 4 is noted as the date for the formation of the Aborigines’ Rights Protection Society by John Mensah Sarbah in 1897, and the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947 by J.B. Danquah and George Alfred “Paa” Grant.

President Nana Akufo-Addo in a message to the nation on Sunday, August 4th, 2019 said “we acknowledge the role played by successive generations of Ghanaians towards the liberation of our country from colonization and imperialism.”