CPP refutes allegation of Nkrumah’s refusal to meet Mandela

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) on Saturday described as untrue, recent publications in the Ghanaian media that Dr Kwame Nkrumah refused to meet Nelson Mandela during his visit to Ghana in 1962.

Madam Samia Yaba Nkrumah, CPP Chairman, explained that Mr Mandela’s visit to Ghana came off at a time President Nkrumah was recuperating from the 1962 Kulungugu bombing.

She said due to that, he was restricted by his doctors, adding that Mr Mandela was given a well deserving treatment by the Government.

She said the CPP led Government gave support to the African National Congress as well as other political parties in South Africa during their liberation struggle.

Madam Nkrumah said this during a memorial service organised by the South African High Commission, in collaboration with the Ghana Government, to pay tribute to former South African President Nelson Mandela in Accra.

She said the idea Mandela stood for would never die.

Mrs Pavelyn Tenclai Musaka, Zimbabwe’s High Commissioner to Ghana and Chairperson of both the Diplomatic Community and the African Diplomatic Corps, said Mandela stood against colonialism and racial discrimination.

She, on behalf of members of the African Diplomatic Corps, commended Dr Nkrumah for the training and support given to freedom fighters, especially those from Zimbabwe, which culminated in their independence.

Mrs Musaka said: “Today we are celebrating one of the giants of Africa, but we cannot forget the man who started the whole thing; Dr Kwame Nkrumah”.

Madam Jeanette Thokozile Ndhlovu, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Ghana, was full of praise of Ghana’s principal role during her country’s struggle for independence and against racial discrimination.

She lauded the role of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, who contributed so much during their liberation struggle.