Vigil ushers in Centenary Celebration of Nkrumah's Birth

Accra, Sept 20, GNA - A candle light procession characterized by a lively display of Ghanaian cultural heritage took place in Accra on Sunday, to usher in the Centenary Celebration of the birth of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The procession which took the teaming crowd of candle-bearing Ghanaians through some principal streets of Accra amidst cacophonous upsurge of singing and dancing ended at Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Trumpets sounded while hurricane lamps illuminated the seemingly dark park at Nkrumah Circle, announcing the approach of the 100th birth day celebration of Dr. Nkrumah.

Some participants painted their half naked bodies in red, yellow and green, colours of the national flag and the black star boldly marked in their navel to advertise the celebration. Present at the ceremony were Professor Akilakpa Sawyer, Chairman, Kwame Nkrumah Centenary Planning Committee, Dr. Esi Sutherland Addy and Prof Bedi Akosa, members of the Committee. Other personalities were Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Information, Alhaji Yakubu Kasule, Managing Director, Gbewa Civil Engineer Company Limited, Prof. Nii Noi Dowuona a leading member of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Rita Malley wife of the late Bob Marley, a legendary reggae musician and Mr. Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Editor of the Insight Newspaper.

Mr. Okudzeto congratulated all Ghanaians most of who abandoned their political roots to take part in the celebration. He said "The name Nkrumah stands for unity and it is universally embracing not only the people of Ghana but the whole world", and called on Ghanaians to uphold the legacy of Dr Nkrumah. Prof. Bedi Akosa said that it was pathetic "that when Nkrumah was overthrown, even processing his photograph was a crime" and noted that at long last Dr Nkrumah was being accorded the right respect. He said that Ghana's independence was not won on a silver platter and stressed that it was not a matter of writing series of letters to the colonial authorities but it was a matter of struggle which Dr Nkrumah did.

Prof Akosa said "Whatever we are proud of as Ghanaians, it was Nkrumah who initiated them. It is pitiful to hear people vilifying Nkrumah beyond human comprehension."

Mr. David Donto, a renowned Ghanaian actor, said though many people fought for Ghana's independence, Dr Nkrumah's contributions were remarkable adding that leaders in other countries who played outstanding roles in liberation struggles were also honoured. He urged all Ghanaians to join the celebration saying "A nation which does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for". 20 Sept 09.