'I completely reject it' - Akufo-Addo 'rejects' Kwame Nkrumah as founder of Ghana

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has disclosed his resolve not to accept the notion held by some Ghanaians that Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is the sole founder of the country.

In his speech ahead of the commemoration of Founders’ Day on August 4, 2024, President Akufo-Addo said that while Kwame Nkrumah played an integral role in the country’s drive towards independence, it is erroneous and untenable to accord him the privilege of being the founder of Ghana.

“I speak to you this evening, rejecting completely the notion that Ghana was founded by one man. While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable, it is important to acknowledge that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations,” the president said in his broadcast.

President Akufo-Addo enumerated some persons whom he believes were integral in the fight towards independence and deserve to be celebrated alongside Kwame Nkrumah.

“The formation of the Aborigines Rights Protection Society, the British West African National Congress, 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.

“Kwame Nkrumah, with his charismatic and visionary leadership, was undoubtedly a major actor in the final lap of our journey to independence. That is why, despite the several unfortunate things that happened after independence under his watch, Parliament in 2019 decided to memorialize his date of birth as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, the only Ghanaian so far to be so honored in our history.”

Parliament in 2019 passed a law establishing August 4 as Founders’ Day and September 21 as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day.

While August 4 aims to celebrate the collective works that culminated in Ghana’s independence, September 21 is reserved for Kwame Nkrumah.