Ghana’s Founder Debate: How does this solve our current economic woes? - Kwesi Pratt Jr. quizzes

Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jr. expressed his surprise at the president's decision to reopen a debate about the founder of Ghana in the midst of the country's economic crisis.

Speaking on the August 8, 2024 edition of Good Morning Ghana on Accra-based Metro TV, Pratt questioned the president's motives.

“I am really amazed that a debate like this will be started at this time of our national life when everything is going haywire. I was wondering what the president was seeking to profit from starting such a needless debate.

"At this moment, what is the significance? Nkrumah was not the sole founder of Ghana, so why does it matter? How does this impact inflation, rising prices, and the fact that it was the president who started this debate is quite concerning. There are many other issues the president could focus on, so why ignite this debate?" he pondered.

Pratt stated that the issue of who founded Ghana has already been settled by historians.

“This debate has been settled by historians, by extension where will this argument end? Are we going back to the Aborigines Right Protection Society or the days of Yaa Asantewaa? Where does it start and where does it end, if everybody who made a contribution to the struggle to attain independence is mentioned, where will it stop?”, he quizzed.

In his address to Ghanaians on August 3, 2024, to commemorate Founders' Day, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the significant role of the country's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in the quest for self-determination but emphasized that Ghana was not founded by one person alone.

“It is most appropriate that we have chosen this date to honour their [the founding fathers] sacrifices, their resilience, and their strong dedication to the ideals of freedom and justice. I speak to you this evening rejecting completely the notion that Ghana was founded by one man.

“Whilst Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable and unassailable, it is important to acknowledge for our self-respect that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations,” he remarked.

The president's remarks have sparked ongoing debate, with many criticizing him for distorting Ghana's history.

JKB/MA

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