The story of Krobo Edusei's 'golden bed' that got him fired by Kwame Nkrumah

Krobo Edusei, a former Minister of Industry appointed by former President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who was touted for his outspokenness had a large following of supporters who liked his personality.

He was widely recognized for his activism, where he successfully galvanized support among the Ashantis for Nkrumah's independence movement, playing an instrumental role in Ghana’s struggle for independence.

Edusei’s expertise and loyalty to Nkrumah earned him several ministerial roles including serving as interior minister in 1957, Minister of Transport and Communications in 1962, and as agriculture minister in 1963.

However, a scandal involving his wife, Mary Edusei, became the downfall of his ministerial career.

In 1962, Mary Edusei purchased an $8,400 "Golden Bed" from a department store in London. In his attempt to reason with his wife to return the bed, Edusei himself travelled to London.

According to reports, Edusei told his wife that, “An $8,400 bed had no place in Ghana.”

The minister, who was widely loved by many, including his boss, became the focal point of public discourse as many criticised his decision. Critics argued that the purchase of the luxurious bed was an affront to Ghana's austerity program further sparking protests in the country.

The incident escalated into a scandalous controversy under the Nkrumah government, causing significant embarrassment. His lavish lifestyle, which reportedly included acquiring properties worth $1,400,000 in London and Accra, was exposed, despite his annual salary of $13,550.

In the end, Edusei was sacked by Nkrumah after the purchase highlighted the escalating corruption that existed among government officials and CPP ministers.

MAG/EK

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