"We have spent below our budgetary allocation" - Prof Sawyerr

Accra, May 18, GNA - "We are working within our budgetary allocation of about four million Ghana cedis for the year-long Centenary Celebration of the birth of Dr Kwame Nkrumah," Professor Akilagpa Sawyerr, Chairman of the Planning Committee declared on Tuesday.

He said the Committee adopted prudent financial management practices to eliminate waste, corruption and avoid lavish spending which would tarnish the memory of "Founder of the Nation".

Prof Sawyerr stated during a press conference in Accra to outline the final phase of activities to climax the celebration on Tuesday. He said on May 25, African Liberation Day, there would be a wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremony, to be attended by present and former African Presidents.

The activities, he said, were to re-define Kwame Nkrumah's legacy to Ghana and Africa in all spheres, and to highlight Nkrumah's intellectual, political, cultural and visionary dimensions of his public life, leadership role in the African liberation struggle, as well as stature as the pre-eminent Pan-Africanist of the time.

They include: African Youth Summit involving tertiary students from the continent on Saturday, May 22; African Liberation Week celebrations and Kwame Nkrumah Centenary colloquium and launch of African cultural renaissance campaign on Sunday, May 23.

Others are Centenary Colloquium on the Contemporary relevance of Kwame Nkrumah's contribution to Pan-Africanism and internationalism, and interaction with African Leaders on Monday, May 24; and cultural and musical gala night.

The celebration under the theme: "Kwame Nkrumah Centenary: A Life of Struggle, a Vision of Africa Unbound," started from September 2009. Responding to questions from the media, Prof. Sawyerr, acknowledged the recognition of Kwame Nkrumah's Birthday by African leaders at the last meeting of Heads of State and Government of African Union in Sirte, Libya. He said since then African Union Commission had played a critical role in the celebration and urged every Ghanaian to take active interest in the celebration.

Prof Sawyerr flanked by Mr James Agyenim-Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information, and other members of the Planning Committee, recounted series of events undertaken by the committee.

The development and building of monuments to commemorate Nkrumah's centenary anniversary, according to Prof. Sawyer would help preserve the story for Ghanaians.

Prof. Sawyerr said the celebration also sought to remember women and the youth for their role in the independence struggle and provide an opportunity to tell the true story about Dr Nkrumah. 18 May 10