Celebration of Nkrumah's birthday launched

Accra, Sept. 2, GNA - Celebrating Dr Kwame Nkrumah has huge economic potential for tourism, Dr Fred Akufo, President of the African Youth Command (AYC), said on Thursday.

"His Mausoleum, memorabilia and physical things associated with him... need to be harnessed and promoted," he said. Dr Akufo was addressing a press conference in Accra to launch activities marking the 95th birthday anniversary of Dr Nkrumah, which falls on September 21.

As part of the celebrations, a symposium on the theme "Contemporary African Youth under Globalisation - Merits and Demerit" would be organised in Accra.

Dr Akufo said people of Africa and African descent revered Osagyefo Dr Nkrumah and so any activity to celebrate his memory was an expression of gratitude to his immense global contributions. "He was not alone, but stands tall among the giants of African freedom, unity and development.

"Henceforth AYC will advocate that the Big Six and all great Africans, who led their people to win independence for their respective nations be acknowledged and celebrated as heroes and motivating icons of the youth," he said.

The Big Six, including Dr Nkrumah, were leaders who agitated for the independence of Ghana from British colonial rule. He said AYC would place emphasis on youth development and help shape policies that would help prepare them for future leadership and the development of the Continent.

Mr William Hsrisir-Quaye, Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, announced that the formal launch of Dr Nkrumah's Centenary celebrations would be on his birthday. He said after the launch the Park would run programmes that would culminate to the celebration proper to be climaxed on September 21, 2009.

He appealed to members of the public, who had items on Dr Nkrumah, to submit them to the Park to enrich their collections.