Nkrumah made the following statement in his speech:
"Very few of you may know, for example, that Baden Powell based the idea of the Boy Scout Movement, including the left-hand shake, on the concept of Ash ... read full comment
Dear Readers,
Nkrumah made the following statement in his speech:
"Very few of you may know, for example, that Baden Powell based the idea of the Boy Scout Movement, including the left-hand shake, on the concept of Ashanti military strategy and youth organisation."
I want to bring to your attention that the statement above is just one of a number of theories. Other scholars have suggested that the SCOUT "LEFT-HAND" HANDSHAKE may have come from or associated with Chief Kweku Andoh (Born in Senya Breku), who is believed to have taught Lieutenant-General Baden-Powell scouting in the bush.
Chief Andoh was said to be left-handed and was known to often shake hands with his leff-hand. Well, Baden-Powell was the founder of the Scouting Movement. He dedicated the book "THE DOWNFALL OF PREMPEH: A DIARY OF LIFE WITH THE NATIVE LEVY IN ASHANTI, 1895-1896" (Readers may also want to see George Saunders' "The Left Handshake: The Boy Scout Movement During the War 1939-1945" and Isaac Ephson's "Gallery of Gold Coast Celebrities").
Finally, those interested in Baden-Powell's book cab download it for free at the following link:
www.pinetreeweb.com/bp-prempeh-00.htm
Thanks.
Mahmoud 8 years ago
Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968
Volume XXIV, Africa, Document 244
________________________________________
244. Telegram From the Embassy in Ghana to the Department of State1
Accra, March 2, 1964, 5 p. ... read full comment
Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968
Volume XXIV, Africa, Document 244
________________________________________
244. Telegram From the Embassy in Ghana to the Department of State1
Accra, March 2, 1964, 5 p.m.
717. Talked nearly hour with Nkrumah this morning, opening with presentation along lines my instructions.2 I stated I had two conversations with President Johnson, was speaking on his behalf. President and other top officials regard relations between USG and GOG as in grave condition. Nkrumah interrupted to say he also regarded situation as serious. I said American Government and people tending believe GOG does not wish maintain even tolerable relations with US and point to accusations of rumor-mongering, demonstrations, deportation American professors.
With respect rumor-mongering, I said everyone in Ghana had heard rumors. Ironically, I had cautioned staff on two occasions re repeating them and had expressed doubt their truthfulness. Nkrumah said he appreciated this. Mentioned he was particularly upset about rumors now going around re his perfectly healthy baby, that it “half animal, half human.” I said every figure in public life subjected to rumor, though these latter below contempt. I was sure American community discreet.
Re demonstration, I said it clearly government-inspired. CPP were acting officially and workers brigade of course directly under GOG. Nkrumah tried to excuse CPP action as “independent enthusiasm,” but said now that Ghana has one-party system CPP is same as government. He conceded there no excuse for workers brigade. I pointed out he might as well have had police demonstrating. He did not dissent, said there were two Cabinet members present but they just curiosity seekers.
Re deportations, I said GOG had right dismiss anyone it chose. We not trying to tell GOG what to do. But manner in which GOG acted was unfriendly. I had checked background of men in Washington and none had ever been even remotely connected with USG intelligence.
I then described feeling of American Congress and people, pointed out President subject to public opinion. If situation continued, we could not continue what we were doing here. Nkrumah agreed that something must be done. He referred to editorial in Los Angeles paper which he said “recommended assassination.” I deplored editorial but said we had free press, and that hostile feeling of press was consequence of Ghanaian press and Ghanaian activity. Nkrumah agreed that nothing could be done about US press and that it would improve when Ghanaian attitudes improved. He asked me whether I had noticed Ghanaian press on my return. I said I had; it was better. He claimed it would take time but would change even more, said he had issued instructions against any broad attacks. I made point that merely shifting attacks UK and Free World was unsatisfactory. He argued that he cannot renounce his principles, must oppose South Africa and UK action in southern Rhodesia. But said from now on attacks will be specific and he will maintain greater control. He said by way of example he was meeting with press immediately after our conversation and would tell them to stop using “Hitler” and “Nazi”; will call Verwoerd’s performance a form of fascism.
I stressed view Ghanaian press is Soviet-Bloc enterprise. Bloc almost never criticized. We not seeking such criticism but Bloc must make mistake on some occasion. I gave African student incident in Moscow as example, saying that although it was front page news all over world it suppressed here. Nkrumah became riled at this point (for only time during discussion), though he had nothing to say in rebuttal. He commented that he was planning to maintain closer control over students in Soviet Bloc countries and described mission he has sent to set up CPP branch parties among students in Bloc. Emphasized this will give him control. Said when he first proposed doing this, Soviets strongly objected but he threatened pull students out and Soviets finally agreed. (Note: CPP official setting up branches is notorious pro-Communist Kweku Akwei.)
Nkrumah digressed to discuss his growing concern at extent corruption in Ghanaian public life. Gave example of man he now trying to catch up with who had substantial sum of money deposited abroad. Said European—but not UK or US—firms made practice of signing contracts for Ghana pounds 3 when worth only Ghana pounds 1, paying off GOG officials. He said he announcing seven-year plan soon and will make policy statement against corruption.
I then told Nkrumah I would like to take up question of CIA. He said he was glad I brought up matter; he had mentioned CIA in letter sent via Ribeiro to President Johnson. I told him I had discussed possibility of letter with President Johnson and that latter would welcome it. I said [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] that I am in full control of all US Government activities in Ghana. I could assure him without hesitation that during my incumbency absolutely nothing has been done by any US agency which could be construed in any way as being directed against him or his government. Nkrumah replied with words to effect “I will take your word for it,” [11–1/2 lines of source text not declassified].
I repeated that there had been no conceivable activity on our part to subvert or overthrow him. I pointed out how inconsistent our entire aid effort, aimed at assisting and strengthening his government, is with wild accusations in Ghanaian press that US acting against him. I added that, speaking frankly, our main intelligence effort is to keep an eye on his Soviet and Chinese friends, whose activities are really large scale. I added that it was common over world that good part of so-called Soviet diplomatic personnel were actually intelligence agents. Nkrumah replied he understood this to be so and keeps eye on them himself.
Nkrumah brought up matter of his “socialism.” Saying that Western press always jumps down his throat when he mentions socialism. He claimed that he was not talking about Soviet or Chinese forms of socialism, but about Ghana’s own type of socialism developed from Ghana’s communal traditions. His socialism is evolutionary, not revolutionary, and specifically provides for private sector and foreign investment.
I commented that just as he resented attacks on his socialism, we resent his press’s uniform condemnation of capitalism, which has changed radically in recent decades. Nkrumah replied that he understood changed nature of capitalism, and said that present economic system of US might better be termed “enlightened capitalism.”
Nkrumah agreed with me that we had not talked enough. I said that although I did not wish to burden him, we should get together at regular intervals, so that we could be in touch and be in position to iron out difficulties before they are acute and led to public embarrassment. I suggested semi-monthly meetings and urged him to call me on any occasion. Nkrumah agreed with alacrity to idea of regular meetings, even throwing out idea that we might meet weekly. I told him that we ought try semi-monthly meetings at first and see how they worked out. We left it that I would telephone his secretary twice each month for specific time.
In course of conversation, Nkrumah mentioned that he planned to move back to Flagstaff House soon. Speaking of Chou En-lai visit, he volunteered that joint communique had caused him great difficulty, and that Soviet had “come down hard” on him for it. He said that now he is having trouble with his friend Tito and that it seems impossible to please everyone.
As I took my leave I repeated that I must say in all candor that President Johnson and my government regard relations between our countries as grave. I had not given up; I had come back to make honest effort to improve relations. Nkrumah agreed that we should make every effort.
As we parted he gave me copy of his letter to President Johnson (dated Feb 26; telegraphed separately)3 and bottle of rum and bitters which he had received from Prime Minister Williams of Trinidad.
Comment:
1. Nkrumah was as friendly as I have ever seen him. Only new element was tendency speak very rapidly, making him at times hard to understand. He seemed extremely anxious to please. It was evident from conversation that he realizes some eating of crow necessary. He in fact did so to some extent.
2. He is aware of and concerned by serious state of our relations, although he seems to feel an upward turn has already begun.
3. He has made and will probably continue to make efforts to moderate his press. Although I have no illusions that Nkrumah has basically changed, I believe that likelihood of a period of tolerable peace, of unknown duration, has been strengthened by our conversation.
4. Our personal relationship has been warmed and an opportunity created for more helpful talks.
5. Beginning has been made in effort to dispel some of Nkrumah’s misconstructions on role of CIA. Will follow-up.
6. Pressure should be kept up. Washington could contribute by parallel talk with Ribeiro.
Mahoney
MODIN SANE 8 years ago
OF COURSE, THE GUY WAS LYING. wHY WOULD HE REVEAL THE TRUE ROLE OF THE CIA IN GHANA? NKRUMAH WAS SMARTER THAN THAT.
OF COURSE, THE GUY WAS LYING. wHY WOULD HE REVEAL THE TRUE ROLE OF THE CIA IN GHANA? NKRUMAH WAS SMARTER THAN THAT.
GORGORDUTOR 8 years ago
That report is odious the white supremacist neocolonial condescension just reeks. Idiotic claim of free press in America juxtaposed with implicit belief that Ghanaian press is controlled. Why? American allies and puppets all ... read full comment
That report is odious the white supremacist neocolonial condescension just reeks. Idiotic claim of free press in America juxtaposed with implicit belief that Ghanaian press is controlled. Why? American allies and puppets all around the world controlled their press and radio ergo nationalist and those beyond imperialist control must do same. I FOR ONE DO NOT ACCEPT THE AMERICAN REPORT OF THIS CONVERSATION AS FACTUAL OR ACCURATE, IT WAS THIS SAME AMERICANS WHO WERE BEHIND THE LIKES OF MOBUTU & BUSIA GUIDING AND CONTROLLING THEM AS THEIR COUNTRIES WERE PLUNDERED ALL THE WHILE CHAMPIONED IN THE CONTROLLED WESTERN PRESS AS DEMOCRATS. CHECK THE RECORD!!! AWAY WITH THIS NEOCOLONIAL APOLOGIST
Newman 8 years ago
Kwarteng, it will be better you write the name of the book (or the source) from which you copied than to paste a section of the book to misinform the young readers.
Readers must get the full motive of the writer as well ... read full comment
Kwarteng, it will be better you write the name of the book (or the source) from which you copied than to paste a section of the book to misinform the young readers.
Readers must get the full motive of the writer as well as the full picture of the book, by so doing you are not only misinforming but also poisoning some readers, as you present only a portion of the whole idiological content of the book.
You are therefore not doing any good to readers but rather showing off and blowing your horns. You can surely not introduce Kwame Nkrumah and his idiologies to anybody, considering your Age, I am cock sure you definately neither saw Kwame Nkrumah personaly before nor experienced anything about him.
Stop misinforming People and let them read the books in their fullest spectrum themselves than just copying only some quer pages of your own interest to blow your horns.
I will be back!
francis kwarteng 8 years ago
Dear Newnman,
Could it be that you are not reading or you are blind? If the latter is the case, then you may need a Braille (I can't help you with this).
This is not a book. This is a speech taken from of a book, and ... read full comment
Dear Newnman,
Could it be that you are not reading or you are blind? If the latter is the case, then you may need a Braille (I can't help you with this).
This is not a book. This is a speech taken from of a book, and the name of the book is what you see at the beginning of the speech, this article.
I also mentioned the book in the first paragraph of "Kwame Nkrumah: The African Genius 1." Still, because it is a speech you can read it outside the book. You can therefore get the speech free online without books accompanying it.
So I am not misinforming any reader including you. What you should do, instead, is to research the topic yourself and come back here to tell readers what you claim the misinformation is. Even so, in some books the speech is only laid out in an appendix and therefore does not come with the larger context of the book in question.
In other words you don't need any book to understand the speech, since the speech in anf of itself is self-explanatory, unless you are one of those who are not comfortable with Nkrumah's fine mind.
The above nothwithstanding, you can easily get the speech for free on the internet. It is all over the place, that's. That said, you can get many pages of the book including the speech free online (Google: "Africa in Contemporary Perspective: A Textbook for Undergraduate Students").
I used this book because I wanted an authentic source for the speech. There are Ghanaweb columnists who "steal" or plagiarize ideas from other websites and neglect to credit their them [sources]. I hardly do that. Do you want me to mention names? Even then I could still have posted this speech without citing my source. What could you have done? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Finally, the Indiana-based professor of linguistics Dr. Samuel Obeng has published five volumes, collections of Nkrumah's speeches, titled "Selected Speeches of Kwame Nkrumah."
You have most of Nkrumah's important speeches collected in this five-part volume pieces, nearly a thousand pages in all. These volumes merely contain many of Nkrumah's speeches. Please come back and tell readers what the misinformation is. You can even do an article on it. That will help you and your kind!
Good day.
Thanks.
MODIN SANE 8 years ago
NEVER READ THIS BEFORE. THX FRANCIS FOR PASTING. LOVE IT. THERE IS A REASON WHY WHY NKRUMAH IS LOVED BY BLACKS IN THE USA, JAMAICA, UK, NIGERIA AND ALL IN THE AFRICAN DIASPORA. IT IS NOT BY ACCIDENT. THERE IS A REASON WHY THE ... read full comment
NEVER READ THIS BEFORE. THX FRANCIS FOR PASTING. LOVE IT. THERE IS A REASON WHY WHY NKRUMAH IS LOVED BY BLACKS IN THE USA, JAMAICA, UK, NIGERIA AND ALL IN THE AFRICAN DIASPORA. IT IS NOT BY ACCIDENT. THERE IS A REASON WHY THE MAN IS REVERED ALL OVER THE WORLD.
francis kwarteng 8 years ago
Dear Modine Sane,
You are welcome; I can't agree with you more. The Great Osagyefo is indeed loved the world over.
The situation is the same in Ghana and across Africa. People are already reading him more than before. ... read full comment
Dear Modine Sane,
You are welcome; I can't agree with you more. The Great Osagyefo is indeed loved the world over.
The situation is the same in Ghana and across Africa. People are already reading him more than before.
As well, his popularity (and what he stood for) keeps rising, rising, and rising each day Students continue to write theses/dissertations on him, his thought, and legacy.
I shall continue to do what I have been doing with him and his matchless legacy. I hope you make time to read his views on science, solar energy, and science eduaction today (if you had not already read it).
Thanks.
Kojo T 8 years ago
Did you read the article? This is a speech on the opening of Institute of African studies What is your problem?Desire to criticize? Tweea , you are a crab in a bucket , Mr dishwasher
Did you read the article? This is a speech on the opening of Institute of African studies What is your problem?Desire to criticize? Tweea , you are a crab in a bucket , Mr dishwasher
YAW 8 years ago
It is patently obvious that the anti Nkrumah "gene" is deeply embedded in your DNA. This visceral hatred inherited from your parents still hangs in the air,constantly blocking the oxygen to your brain and your thinking proces ... read full comment
It is patently obvious that the anti Nkrumah "gene" is deeply embedded in your DNA. This visceral hatred inherited from your parents still hangs in the air,constantly blocking the oxygen to your brain and your thinking process.Hatred for Nkrumah is a family acquired characteristic. Your senseless and idiotic comment is a classic example. Stop striking when your head is hot.
KBK 8 years ago
It is obvious from the behaviour of francis kwarteng that, he is seriously suffering from a big time inferiority complex. Why would you rain direct and indirect insults on People commenting negatively on your one-way styled a ... read full comment
It is obvious from the behaviour of francis kwarteng that, he is seriously suffering from a big time inferiority complex. Why would you rain direct and indirect insults on People commenting negatively on your one-way styled articles?
I don't think you expect all to praise your essays and you know very well that all your essay are extracts from other writers, that is, Recycling of either dead News or stuff that is already existing in other books. I mean grow up! you leave in the States, Maryland for some years now, haven't you learn anything reasonable which you can produce on your own without repeating columns of already written books and events?
-Do you always just want to be heard? -Must you write just for writing sake?
-Are you competing other writers on Ghanaweb and elsewhere?
***-Are you sane? Which I don't believe!
-Do you have to impose?
-Do you have aim at all?
-Do you see any normality in your whole life?
-Have checked your faculty of cogitating on the basis of sanity before?
-Can you think like a normal being?
Why am I asking all that!
You started some time ago posting articles with "big words" of course senseless articles and you are now posting pages copied from books and speeches which of course not new to most People visiting the website. It means you just want to be heard but nothing more.
After posting your copied series of crap you then begin to attack People commenting on it. That is no all, you again cross over to again attack other columnist who write in different plausible (and more Educative) directions like Baidoo, Prof.SAS, Sarpong, Okoampa etc. using different Monikers sometimes.
What do you gain from posting useless paragraphs to Ghanaweb and Modernghana almost every day? Why can't you write something sensible on your own and refrain from the repeatition of old stuff?
Are you not capable of writing "pieces" from you personal experience?
Have you ever heard of creativity before?
Who do you think you are kidding, Lungu, Kojo T, C.Y. Andy-K or who???
Kwarteng grow up!
YAW 8 years ago
You are the sort of person who conveniently lights up a room by leaving it. I will never be francis kwarteng in a million years. It takes a genius with an IQ of 20 to confuse me with the columnist.
You are the sort of person who conveniently lights up a room by leaving it. I will never be francis kwarteng in a million years. It takes a genius with an IQ of 20 to confuse me with the columnist.
GORGORDUTOR 8 years ago
REALLY? you are funny beyond belief YOUR ILK INSIST ON MEETING WELL REASONED ARGUMENTS WITH INVECTIVE AND CALUMNY!! IT IS VERY RARELY THAT ANY OF YOUR TYPE eg Mahmoud pkb etc actually debate the issues. Upon mention of Nkruma ... read full comment
REALLY? you are funny beyond belief YOUR ILK INSIST ON MEETING WELL REASONED ARGUMENTS WITH INVECTIVE AND CALUMNY!! IT IS VERY RARELY THAT ANY OF YOUR TYPE eg Mahmoud pkb etc actually debate the issues. Upon mention of Nkrumah reason fails these idiots, they don't consider facts but resort to false charges and vilification of the " he was a communist" "too ambitious" etc then proceed to insult the writer. BUT WHEN THESE MISANTHROPES ARE HIT WITH THEIR OWN MUDFIGHT TACTICS THEY START WHIMPERING LIKE A PLAYGROUND BULLY HIT IN THE MOUTH FOR THE FIRST TIME. FUCKING HYPOCRITES!!! WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO BE IN THE GUTTER, SOMETIMES PEOPLE MUST DESCEND TO YOUR LEVEL!!! MMOAFUNU, FOR DECADES THESE PEOPLE AND ANTECEDENTS HAVE RESORTED TO INVECTIVE VILIFICATION INSULTS AND CALUMNY AS RATIONAL ARGUMENT AND THE HISTORICAL RECORD DOES NOT FAVOR THEIR SIDE!!! COMOT DEAH WIT YUA KROKODIL TEARS!!! AFTER YOUR PREAMBLE YOU SPENT ALL YOUR WRITEUP THROWING INSULTS!!! ABUANANA. YOU FOOL NO ONE!!!
GORGORDUTOR 8 years ago
AOOH ABIBIMAN AFRIKAN KWEEH WORPLAA WORHEH EI EI!!!! AAAGYEEI!!!!!!!!!!! NUFF SAID DEM WORDS RINGING TRUE AND CLEAR 50 PLUS YEARS ON!!!
AFRIKA MUST COME UP!!! NKRUMAH NEVER DIES!!!
AOOH ABIBIMAN AFRIKAN KWEEH WORPLAA WORHEH EI EI!!!! AAAGYEEI!!!!!!!!!!! NUFF SAID DEM WORDS RINGING TRUE AND CLEAR 50 PLUS YEARS ON!!!
AFRIKA MUST COME UP!!! NKRUMAH NEVER DIES!!!
Prof Lungu 8 years ago
As Prof. Lumumba said, "Kwame Nkrumah had it Right!
We think so, too!
As Prof. Lumumba said, "Kwame Nkrumah had it Right!
We think so, too!
MARCUS AMPADU 8 years ago
"And in Ghana the fact that we are committed to the construction of a socialist society makes it especially that this Institute of African Studies should work closely with the people."
Such statements, almost invariably ... read full comment
"And in Ghana the fact that we are committed to the construction of a socialist society makes it especially that this Institute of African Studies should work closely with the people."
Such statements, almost invariably divides Ghanaians who despise socialism - I am talking about committed capitalists like Baidoo, SAS, Sarpong & Ahoofe and their ilk who are
quick to resort to insults & name calling.
Prof Lungu 8 years ago
MARCUS AMPADU,
Please, what is your point?
That is a speech from the 1960s, when the West was saying they hated socialism, but actually had socialist policies, even back then!
That is the speech by a man who stood fir ... read full comment
MARCUS AMPADU,
Please, what is your point?
That is a speech from the 1960s, when the West was saying they hated socialism, but actually had socialist policies, even back then!
That is the speech by a man who stood firm in the Unitary constitution of Ghana, and did not allow confederates to tear up was was forming.
What credit do you give to that, for Ghana's sake?
Or, do you want Matemeho-Confederacy for Ghana?
Come on!
What do you want, really?
That Kwame Nkrumah should not have made that speech; that Kwarteng should have deleted that portion; or that Kwarteng should not have posted the speech! (What else did we neglect to say?)?
Over to you, MARCUS AMPADU!
MARCUS AMPADU 8 years ago
My point is, at this juncture of our nation's history, Prof. Lungu, we cannot afford to have this incessant back and forth between those who consider themselves socialists vs. those who espouse capitalism.
Don't get me wro ... read full comment
My point is, at this juncture of our nation's history, Prof. Lungu, we cannot afford to have this incessant back and forth between those who consider themselves socialists vs. those who espouse capitalism.
Don't get me wrong; we need all hands on deck to concentrate on economic development, social development & environmental protection.
Mix economy - combining what good from socialism with what is good from capitalism - should inform Ghana!s & Africa's policies.
Prof Lungu 8 years ago
MARCUS AMPADU,
Our "hand are on deck"!
And yes, "we" can afford!
In fact, Ghana is "affording" as you read this: from all the lost revenue, goodwill, and prestige Nkrumah's legacy development could have allowed Ghana, ... read full comment
MARCUS AMPADU,
Our "hand are on deck"!
And yes, "we" can afford!
In fact, Ghana is "affording" as you read this: from all the lost revenue, goodwill, and prestige Nkrumah's legacy development could have allowed Ghana, over so many years, and in the future, ad infinitum!
Talking about people who think everything is money...!
Imagine, it is not money or useful until they can control it, better yet, own it - hook, line, and sinker.
Just send a note on sustainable development and solar panels and ask for an opinion from Obama!
Thanks, MARCUS AMPADU!
YAW 8 years ago
Lee Kuan Yew, used socialist policies to establish the Singapore Housing and Development Board.He built affordable housing units for the working class. Nkrumah built Tema as a socialist concept for the working class.They paid ... read full comment
Lee Kuan Yew, used socialist policies to establish the Singapore Housing and Development Board.He built affordable housing units for the working class. Nkrumah built Tema as a socialist concept for the working class.They paid reasonable rent to TDC. Baidoo"s parents were beneficiaries of that. The capitalist developers in Tema are now selling 2/3 bedroom flats in Tema at a whopping 150 thousand plus US dollars.Is this sustainable in a country where the average monthly wage is about 200 dollars?
Nii Teiko 8 years ago
How on earth do you think such a statement could divide the ranks of non socialist leaning folks when every idiot knows that for such as institution, thus an institute Of African Studies, which is more human centered, all tha ... read full comment
How on earth do you think such a statement could divide the ranks of non socialist leaning folks when every idiot knows that for such as institution, thus an institute Of African Studies, which is more human centered, all that the Institute got to do is to work closely with the people. Where lies the ambiguity or how could such an unambiguous statement throw people into disarray ? You see, if you have nothing to contribute, you better shut up. You don't have to comment because others are expressing their opinions. What else do you think if this stupid comment of yours do not warrant insult unto thyself?
MARCUS AMPADU 8 years ago
I wish I could respond to your gobbledegook, Nii Teiko. Come again for me to respond.
I wish I could respond to your gobbledegook, Nii Teiko. Come again for me to respond.
francis kwarteng 8 years ago
Dear Marcus,
You recently wrote this:
"Truthfully, I don't find anything wrong with Capitalism, Socialism, Liberalism, Conservatism and other systematic set of ideas that attempt to guide a groups of people.
It is th ... read full comment
Dear Marcus,
You recently wrote this:
"Truthfully, I don't find anything wrong with Capitalism, Socialism, Liberalism, Conservatism and other systematic set of ideas that attempt to guide a groups of people.
It is the people who are fallible, not the ideology per se. So...."
Why are you flip-flopping? Well, when I write or republish an article written by another author, as in Nkrumah's speech, I don't think of what SAS, Baidoo, Ahoofe, etc., say?
On the other hand I had to debate the ignorant Baidoo, Mr. Oxymoron, because he initiated the debate. Now I am done with him having noted that he is not knowledgeable, well informed, and widely read to keep up with the debate. Baidoo lies, fabricates, and distorts facts to make up for his gross intellectual deficits. I can't waste time on such a fraud!
And as for what they (SAS, Ahoofe, Baidoo, etc) I really don't care in the least. Neither do their sentiments or writings dictate what I should write. I am well informed enough to know what my conscience dictates I should write about or grapple with.
My only advice to you is to be consistent in your own skin. If what SAS, Baidoo, Ahoofe, etc write inform the way you think, then that is your cup of tea.
Thanks.
MARCUS AMPADU 8 years ago
I don't see the flip flop you are accusing me of; in fact you are authenticating what I meant by the statement that "it is the people who are fallible, not the ideology." Socialism & capitalism are okay as ideological persp ... read full comment
I don't see the flip flop you are accusing me of; in fact you are authenticating what I meant by the statement that "it is the people who are fallible, not the ideology." Socialism & capitalism are okay as ideological perspectives guiding the groups that subscribe to their tenets, unfortunately, group members such as you, Prof. Lungu, Kojo T are unbending in your opposition to folks like Baidoo, SAS, Ahoofe who subscribe to different ideology.
What is the flip flop ?
All I'm saying is that we live in a different age - Age of Sustainability. It can't be business as usual; the contending ideologies must talk to each other, cooperate to find ways to tackle our nation's plethora of challenges.
If that's flipping & flopping so be it.
francis kwarteng 8 years ago
Dear Marcus,
I am not authenticating what I attribute to you. In fact I have not said anything that authenticates your flip-flops.
And who says what I have been discussing is outside the Age of Sustainability? And yes, ... read full comment
Dear Marcus,
I am not authenticating what I attribute to you. In fact I have not said anything that authenticates your flip-flops.
And who says what I have been discussing is outside the Age of Sustainability? And yes, the Age of Sustainability does not exist outside these economic theories. Go back and read the work of Jeffrey Sachs (and his work with the United Nations).
There are those who have made a strong argument that unfettered capitalism is undermining the Age of Sustainability! Have you read tha before? You yourself made an allusion to that by suggesting environmental destruction and pollution. Do I have to remind you?
I have said that I don't write based on what Ahoofe, SAS, or Baidoo writes. Lest you did not get what I said earlier, allow me to repeat it: I AM NOT DICTATED BY WHAT BAIDOO, SAS, AND AHOOFE WRITE.
To tell you the truth, I have only one piece by SAS this year (even that piece I read a three of so paragraphs because a reader wanted me to readt it); I stopped reading Baidoo after the PART 5 of his "Re: Nkrumahism, The Can of Worms I Opened-Slavery and Racism); I have not read an article by Ahoofe in the past two years (I have posted two comments under Afoohe's two articles this year because someone sent me an email saying that I was impersonated under those articles).
In sum, I do not care what SAS, Ahoofe, or Baidoo writes. That is, I don't allow the likes of Baidoo or Ahoofe to dictate what I write.
That said, this is going to be a long series and so brace yourself. I am more stubborn than you may have thought. AGAIN I DON'T CARE WHAT SAS, BAIDOO, OR AHOOFE WRITE AS LONG AS MY CONSCIENCE PUSHES. AND I HAVE NOT AUTHENTICATED YOUR FLIP-FLOP because you didn't cite even one instance where I "uthenticated" your flip-flop.
Finally, every single I have posted on Ghanaweb is within the so-called Age of Sustainability. Pick Jeffrey Sachs' book and read it again. They are all there! You yourself gave me one good example yesterday with your 2002 WSSD Plan.
Implementing the latter plan is not possible without the issues I have been discussing. Do you talk to theoretical/applied economists or urban studies scholars (who deal with these questions on a daily basis in the real world) as I do now and then? Talk to one if you are not already doing that (sometimes some pf the articles I post on Ghanaweb are suggested to me by these people I talk to)!
Thanks.
MARCUS AMPADU 8 years ago
Dear Kwarteng
For any of the government of our nation to be effective in doing what it was elected to do , will require an alert, informed, educated, thoughtful, less tribalistic citizenry that would be democratic & show ... read full comment
Dear Kwarteng
For any of the government of our nation to be effective in doing what it was elected to do , will require an alert, informed, educated, thoughtful, less tribalistic citizenry that would be democratic & show tolerance and respect for opposing ideologies. We have to set the example.
francis kwarteng 8 years ago
Dear Readers,
Thanks for reading.
Please expect the next on Nkrumah today or tomorrow.
Thanks.
Dear Readers,
Thanks for reading.
Please expect the next on Nkrumah today or tomorrow.
Thanks.
GORGORDUTOR 8 years ago
Ehnuanom, there reason why some of us like Master Kwarteng & Prof. Lungu, be banging on foolish knaves like PKB et al is simple.
For starters they are purveyors of falsehood period end of story. They are incapable of reason ... read full comment
Ehnuanom, there reason why some of us like Master Kwarteng & Prof. Lungu, be banging on foolish knaves like PKB et al is simple.
For starters they are purveyors of falsehood period end of story. They are incapable of reasoned debate, as evident on Ghanaweb. They specialize insults, historical falsification, vilification and calumny. If you pay close attention they never want to engage in rational debate or argument based on the historical factual record, the reason being they will lose and miserably at that. Let me state here that their political antecedents repeatedly demonstrated their contempt for the will of the people repeatedly expressed at the ballot box!!! To the extent of entreating the colonial power to revoke the grant of political evidence simply because the mass of the people rejected them at the ballot box.
I will list their three principal lies: Nkrumah was a dictator, the record says not. Nkrumah was a communist, laughably false!! Nkrumah introduced a one party state and it was evil! Hypocritical nonsense, if you notice on of their tin gods they often juxtapose against Osagyefo is the late Houphoet-Boigny of the Ivory Coast. Well this well known guardian of Western neocolonial interests declared a one party state before Nkrumah but to this idiots he was a great democrat, how laughable Boigny had students burnt to death as a warning while employing graft and bribery to establish his dominance over the political class!!! Nkrumah never killed anybody, when J.B Danquah died in prison, Nkrumah was besides himself with regret!!
The thin reed of fact that they use in their vilification of Nkrumah was the Preventive Detention Act of 1958. The PDA was introduced only after nearly 5 years of terrorism by GCP/NLM/UP gang. I will enumerate some of the long list of such acts. First the sustained campaign of violence, political killings and intimidation waged principally in what is now the Ashanti & Brong-Ahafo regions, but also in the northern Volta region as well as Accra, this terrorist campaign started in the runup to the general elections of 1954 and continued unabated through 1962 before it started to die down. A conservative estimate of at least 150 killed and several hundred more injured and maimed for life including dozens of children. Nkrumah's personal residence was bombed twice, Krobo Edusei's wife was killed and his sister lost an arm. The violence was so intense in Ashanti that the CPP was forced to close its offices for 18 months from 54-56. Members of the disloyal opposition were already plotting a coup detat which encompassed the killing of Nkrumah and his leading comrades!!! The PDA was a justified and reasonable measure to deal with the violence fomented by the GCP/ NLM political gangsters!!
These people had no problem with the colonial power using the same powers that the indigenous government of the CPP. Bearing in mind that Osagyefos Positive Action was non violent, only traitorous people would be of the view that it was okay for Akwasi Broni to use similar powers against the independence struggle but immoral for the elected CPP government to invoke those powers to deal with an incorrigible opposition fomenting deadly violence to make there country ungovernable!!! Rank hypocrisy of the most heinous kind.
All the states that these sociopolitical idiots are fond of using as examples deployed a one party state and state led and directed capitalism to reach their current level of development to wit: Lee Kuan Yew & his Peoples Action Party in Singapore 1966-2015, Chiang Kai-Chek and his GuoMingDang in Taiwan1949-1994 Park Chung-Hee and his military dictatorship in South Korea 1961-79, the Barisan Nacional of Malaysia 1959-2015 under Tunku Abdul Rahman and his successors most notably Mahathir Mohammed, and the BNP of Seretse Khama in Botswana!! Every one of the above mentioned states employed a one-party state whether de facto or de jure!! Further the employed preventive detention, deportation of undesirables and ruinous libel laws to keep centrifugal and neocolonial agents in check. There above mentioned are just a few!!
Now these misanthropes are obroni-centric, so I will now point out a few salient facts as regards Western Europe and Japan!! Japan has been a defacto one party state since 1955 when the Americans cobbled together the Liberal Democrats. Italy under the the CIA supported Christian Democrats and their Mafia allies till their corruption and mismanagement paved the way for Berlusconi in the mid 90s!!! France was a de facto one party state under the Gaullists until the election of Francois Mitterrand in the 80s, with the CIA actively infiltrating and sabotaging left wing parties and labor unions. Germany was a one party state under the CDU/CSU a coalition that include many " rehabilitated" Nazis until the election of Willy Brandt in 1970!!! These countries all deployed a mixed economy model a la Nkrumah and his CPP, till today these states have many state owned and influenced major industries. The Landsbanken, Volkwagen in Germany, ENI , Agip and Agusta in Italy, FranceAtome and Airbus Industrie in France (Airbus is jointly owned by Germany Britain France and Italy).
Finally it is factually correct to say that under Nkrumah and the CCP Ghana experienced a 15 year span of unsurpassed development and was laying the foundation for sustained development to wit: Tema harbor and township, Tema steelworks GhaCem TFCC, Tema Shipyard & Drydock, the nascent industries under the GIHOC umbrella like GHASEL, Ghana Shoe, Prefab Concrete Products Food Distribution Corporation etcetera etcetera!! I could go on for days!! Centers for Industrial & Scientific Research, Cocoa Research Institute,GIMPA, Accra Poly Workers College, Kaneshie Estates Awudome Estates and other planned developments all around Ghana. I could go on ad infinitum!!! Get the picture!! ALL THESE GREAT EFFORT came to a screeching halt on that calamitous day 24 February 1966!! These treasonous bastards, in stead of continuing on self sustainable development path, were so consumed with political hatred, envy and jealousy that they proceeded to destroy the good works while stupidly agreeing to pay the loans and supplier credits obligations incurred to finance many of these projects!!! UNBELIEVABLE BUT TRUE!!!
THIS IS WHY THEY AND THEIR DESCENDANTS AND DEFENDERS HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HURL INVECTIVE, CALUMNY AND OUTRIGHT FALSEHOOD IN THE ATTEMPT TO OBSCURE HOW MUCH DAMAGE THEY CAUSED TO GHANA IN PARTICULAR AND AFRICA AT LARGE!!! I FOR ONE WILL NO LONGER BOTHER TO ENGAGE THESE NATION WRECKING CREW IN RATIONAL ARGUMENT AND DEBATE, THEY ARE INCAPABLE OF MUSTERING ANY SEMBLANCE OF A COHERENT ARGUMENT TO BACK THEIR FALSE AND MORIBUND ASSERTIONS THAT OSAGYEFO NKRUMAH DESTROYED GHANA!! THERE RECORD IS CLEAR GHANA WAS DERAILED BETWEEN 24 FEBRUARY 1966 & 13 JANUARY 1972!!! I WILL GET IN THE MUD WITH THESE TRAITOROUS SET AND GIVE THEM THEIR OWN MEDICINE BACKED BY THE HISTORICAL RECORD!! WE CANNOT PERMIT A BANKRUPT POLITICAL TENDENCY TO CONTINUE TO ATTEMPT TO COVER THEIR INFAMY WITH BLACK PROPAGANDA!!!!! THE PEOPLE REST.
GORGORDUTOR 8 years ago
A WARNING, FOR NEOCOLONIAL DUMMIES,DUPES RUNNING DOGS AND LACKEYS. I DIDN'T CRACK ONE SINGLE BOOK TO PRODUCE THIS COMMENTARY!!! YOU IGNORAMUSES ARE SO LACKING SOME OF US DONT NEED TO BONE UP TO FUCK YOU UP!!! WE GOT THIS SHIT ... read full comment
A WARNING, FOR NEOCOLONIAL DUMMIES,DUPES RUNNING DOGS AND LACKEYS. I DIDN'T CRACK ONE SINGLE BOOK TO PRODUCE THIS COMMENTARY!!! YOU IGNORAMUSES ARE SO LACKING SOME OF US DONT NEED TO BONE UP TO FUCK YOU UP!!! WE GOT THIS SHIT AT OUR FINGERTIPS.!! WE ARE STUDENTS OF WORLD HISTORY AND CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND GEOPOLITICS!! WE DONT SWALLOW PROPAGANDA FROM THE CAPITALIST CONTROLLED MEDIA!! WE GO BEHIND THE NEWS!! WATCH OUT!!
Dear Readers,
Nkrumah made the following statement in his speech:
"Very few of you may know, for example, that Baden Powell based the idea of the Boy Scout Movement, including the left-hand shake, on the concept of Ash ...
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Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968
Volume XXIV, Africa, Document 244
________________________________________
244. Telegram From the Embassy in Ghana to the Department of State1
Accra, March 2, 1964, 5 p. ...
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OF COURSE, THE GUY WAS LYING. wHY WOULD HE REVEAL THE TRUE ROLE OF THE CIA IN GHANA? NKRUMAH WAS SMARTER THAN THAT.
That report is odious the white supremacist neocolonial condescension just reeks. Idiotic claim of free press in America juxtaposed with implicit belief that Ghanaian press is controlled. Why? American allies and puppets all ...
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Kwarteng, it will be better you write the name of the book (or the source) from which you copied than to paste a section of the book to misinform the young readers.
Readers must get the full motive of the writer as well ...
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Dear Newnman,
Could it be that you are not reading or you are blind? If the latter is the case, then you may need a Braille (I can't help you with this).
This is not a book. This is a speech taken from of a book, and ...
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NEVER READ THIS BEFORE. THX FRANCIS FOR PASTING. LOVE IT. THERE IS A REASON WHY WHY NKRUMAH IS LOVED BY BLACKS IN THE USA, JAMAICA, UK, NIGERIA AND ALL IN THE AFRICAN DIASPORA. IT IS NOT BY ACCIDENT. THERE IS A REASON WHY THE ...
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Dear Modine Sane,
You are welcome; I can't agree with you more. The Great Osagyefo is indeed loved the world over.
The situation is the same in Ghana and across Africa. People are already reading him more than before. ...
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Did you read the article? This is a speech on the opening of Institute of African studies What is your problem?Desire to criticize? Tweea , you are a crab in a bucket , Mr dishwasher
It is patently obvious that the anti Nkrumah "gene" is deeply embedded in your DNA. This visceral hatred inherited from your parents still hangs in the air,constantly blocking the oxygen to your brain and your thinking proces ...
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It is obvious from the behaviour of francis kwarteng that, he is seriously suffering from a big time inferiority complex. Why would you rain direct and indirect insults on People commenting negatively on your one-way styled a ...
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You are the sort of person who conveniently lights up a room by leaving it. I will never be francis kwarteng in a million years. It takes a genius with an IQ of 20 to confuse me with the columnist.
REALLY? you are funny beyond belief YOUR ILK INSIST ON MEETING WELL REASONED ARGUMENTS WITH INVECTIVE AND CALUMNY!! IT IS VERY RARELY THAT ANY OF YOUR TYPE eg Mahmoud pkb etc actually debate the issues. Upon mention of Nkruma ...
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AOOH ABIBIMAN AFRIKAN KWEEH WORPLAA WORHEH EI EI!!!! AAAGYEEI!!!!!!!!!!! NUFF SAID DEM WORDS RINGING TRUE AND CLEAR 50 PLUS YEARS ON!!!
AFRIKA MUST COME UP!!! NKRUMAH NEVER DIES!!!
As Prof. Lumumba said, "Kwame Nkrumah had it Right!
We think so, too!
"And in Ghana the fact that we are committed to the construction of a socialist society makes it especially that this Institute of African Studies should work closely with the people."
Such statements, almost invariably ...
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MARCUS AMPADU,
Please, what is your point?
That is a speech from the 1960s, when the West was saying they hated socialism, but actually had socialist policies, even back then!
That is the speech by a man who stood fir ...
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My point is, at this juncture of our nation's history, Prof. Lungu, we cannot afford to have this incessant back and forth between those who consider themselves socialists vs. those who espouse capitalism.
Don't get me wro ...
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MARCUS AMPADU,
Our "hand are on deck"!
And yes, "we" can afford!
In fact, Ghana is "affording" as you read this: from all the lost revenue, goodwill, and prestige Nkrumah's legacy development could have allowed Ghana, ...
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Lee Kuan Yew, used socialist policies to establish the Singapore Housing and Development Board.He built affordable housing units for the working class. Nkrumah built Tema as a socialist concept for the working class.They paid ...
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How on earth do you think such a statement could divide the ranks of non socialist leaning folks when every idiot knows that for such as institution, thus an institute Of African Studies, which is more human centered, all tha ...
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I wish I could respond to your gobbledegook, Nii Teiko. Come again for me to respond.
Dear Marcus,
You recently wrote this:
"Truthfully, I don't find anything wrong with Capitalism, Socialism, Liberalism, Conservatism and other systematic set of ideas that attempt to guide a groups of people.
It is th ...
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I don't see the flip flop you are accusing me of; in fact you are authenticating what I meant by the statement that "it is the people who are fallible, not the ideology." Socialism & capitalism are okay as ideological persp ...
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Dear Marcus,
I am not authenticating what I attribute to you. In fact I have not said anything that authenticates your flip-flops.
And who says what I have been discussing is outside the Age of Sustainability? And yes, ...
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Dear Kwarteng
For any of the government of our nation to be effective in doing what it was elected to do , will require an alert, informed, educated, thoughtful, less tribalistic citizenry that would be democratic & show ...
read full comment
Dear Readers,
Thanks for reading.
Please expect the next on Nkrumah today or tomorrow.
Thanks.
Ehnuanom, there reason why some of us like Master Kwarteng & Prof. Lungu, be banging on foolish knaves like PKB et al is simple.
For starters they are purveyors of falsehood period end of story. They are incapable of reason ...
read full comment
A WARNING, FOR NEOCOLONIAL DUMMIES,DUPES RUNNING DOGS AND LACKEYS. I DIDN'T CRACK ONE SINGLE BOOK TO PRODUCE THIS COMMENTARY!!! YOU IGNORAMUSES ARE SO LACKING SOME OF US DONT NEED TO BONE UP TO FUCK YOU UP!!! WE GOT THIS SHIT ...
read full comment
Dear Gorgortudor,
Tell them like it is.
Thanks.