NPP UK Hold JB Danquah Memorial Symposium

Forty seven years ago, in a 9ft by 6ft condemned cell, Dr Joesph Boakye Danquah national statesman, politician and one of the leaders in the struggle for independence from colonial rule died resisting the dictatorship and human rights abuses being perpetuated by Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president.

On Saturday 4th February, 2012 hundreds of Ghanaians braved the cold weather and pouring snow to attend a symposium to celebrate his life and works .Dr J B Danquah was one of the big six and one of the founding fathers of modern Ghana .The impressive thing about the gathering was that majority of those in attendance were young and were eager to know foundations of their country’s modern history

This symposium was organised by the communications and research departments of NPP UK.

In his welcome address, Mr Richard Dombo , NPP UK Research Officer told the gathering that Dr Danquah had a vision for economic prosperity for Ghana as he called for the setting up of a national bank and a national stadium in Accra. He also proposed for the setting of the Ghana Cocoa Marketing Board and the establishment of the University of Ghana. He said Danquah also fought for human rights and individual liberty, the cornerstone of democracy, which today countries all over the world seek to enjoy.

Dr Osei Nyame, Lecturer at the school of Oriental and African studies, University of London said Danquah was a freedom fighter who at every given point sought to draw the attention of the colonialists to their shortcomings and his letters and suggestions gave an insight to to his intellect. Dr Danquah was ahead of his time. Today his constant debates about the importance of countries applying free market principles to build a property owning democracy which literally means the people would own the government and hold accountable for the country’s development and progress.

Hayford Atta Krufi, NPP UK branch Chairman read a message of solidarity from the New Patriotic Party Presidential candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo -Addo ,who commended the celebration and said that Ghana has come a long way in its search for peace, democracy and stability. He said Dr Danquah in his life time advocated for the creation of strong institutions of state to promote good governance rather than idolising strong men. He was vilified for his visionary views and became a martyr. Today his philosophy and ideas can be seen in emerging countries around the world that have applied free market principles and are successful.

Dr Michael Amoah , a writer and analyst on African Affairs said the greatest legacy Ghanaians could bequeath Dr Danquah was to adopt the principles of hard work and sacrifice and lay strong foundations to educate and empower the people.

Nana Yaa Mensah, member of the womens wing said it was important that Ghanaians researched the works of our forefathers and the contributions they made in building our modern states. She said the youth should take delight in knowing Ghana’s history .

There were readings from Danquah’ s letters , an interactive knowledge based quiz on Ghana’s political history compered by Mr Marlon Anipa, Mr Kwabena Afum Dankwa and Taeya Abdul Madgeed of the womens wing and cultural drumming and dancing by the Ablade Cultural troupe .

Nana Yaw Sarpong -07983302369

NPP UK Communication team