Leave my father alone – Sekou Nkrumah to Akufo-Addo

Dr Sekou Nkrumah, son of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, has asked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to allow Ghana’s first president’s role in the struggle for independence untouched.

President Akufo-Addo renewed the debate over whether Ghana should have founding fathers or a founding father while delivering his speech Monday to mark Ghana’s 60 independence anniversary.

According to him, the struggle for independence was started by members of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).He listed Joseph Boakye Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, William Ofori-Atta, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei and Edward Akufo-Addo as the pioneers of the independence fight.

Mr Akufo-Addo added that it was when the UGCC leaders decided they needed a full-time general secretary that they brought in a younger nationalist in Mr Nkrumah.

“Soon thereafter, on 28th February, 1948, the notorious and senseless killings of three ex-servicemen, Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey... undoubtedly, quickened the pace of the independence movement,” he said.

This narrative of the president has not gone well with several Nkrumahists who believe he is re-writing history.

Dr Sekou Nkrumah, in a short letter addressed to the president, said: “Dear Nana Addo, I am with you in elevating 6th March to advance the interest of all Ghanaians as well as project all our heroes in a positive and dignified way so as to unite our dear country. However, I beg of you to leave 21st September for Nkrumah alone!

“I had my differences with the late Professor Mills but I stood with him in all humility for the honour he gave our first President Kwame Nkrumah in declaring his birthday a public holiday.”