By: Ananpansah B. Abraham (AB)
On September 21, 1909, at Nkroful in the Western Region of the then Gold Coast, a child was born who would later alter the course of Africa’s history – Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He lived only 62 years, passing away on April 27, 1972, in Bucharest, Romania. Yet, his name still resonates across the continent as one of Africa’s most iconic and visionary leaders.
The Path to Independence
Dr. Nkrumah’s political journey began with the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), but his departure to form the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in 1949 marked the beginning of a mass movement for independence. Through the CPP, he galvanized the people, leading to Ghana’s historic independence on March 6, 1957 – the first nation south of the Sahara to free itself from colonial rule.
With a powerful voice and unyielding conviction, he declared:
“At long last, the battle has ended! And thus, Ghana, your beloved country, is free forever!”
Those words carried not just the triumph of freedom but also the burden of responsibility – to build a self-reliant and prosperous nation.
A Pan-African Visionary
Nkrumah’s influence reached far beyond Ghana’s borders. He envisioned a united Africa, capable of standing tall in global affairs. His leadership inspired solidarity movements, and his role in Africa’s boycott of the 1966 FIFA World Cup highlighted his unflinching fight against injustice. He also promoted African football by organizing the West Africa Cup in 1959 and laying the foundation for the Ghana Black Stars.
He firmly believed that political independence was meaningless without economic emancipation. His dream was one of transformation: industrialization, modern education, and social justice.
The Unfinished Business of Independence
Nearly seven decades later, we must ask hard questions:
Have we sustained the vision Nkrumah planted?
Has our independence been matched by genuine economic and social progress?
Are our leaders pursuing the noble cause of development or merely glorifying mediocrity?
Today, despite vast natural resources – gold, cocoa, oil, fertile lands, and human potential – millions of Ghanaians still grapple with poverty, unemployment, and inadequate healthcare and education. Agriculture, our economic backbone, is struggling. Our educational system still reflects colonial structures, leaving us dependent on foreign models.
Instead of the self-reliance Nkrumah preached, we too often kneel before global financial institutions, entangled in debts and aid dependency. He warned against such reliance, yet our policies frequently echo the very path he cautioned us to avoid.
A Troubled Present
Worryingly, the erosion of human rights in recent years undermines our democracy. Security forces have, on occasion, turned their weapons on unarmed civilians, while political elites compete for power with little regard for the welfare of the masses. Dr. Mensah Otabil rightly calls this embrace of “ordinariness” an error – one that robs us of the transformative vision Nkrumah stood for.
Ghana, once hailed as the “beacon of democracy” in Africa, risks losing that moral standing if we continue down this path of mediocrity, corruption, and dependency.
Rekindling the Spirit of Nkrumah
Yet, all hope is not lost. The greatest lesson of Nkrumah’s life is that change begins with courage and vision. He once declared:
“The task ahead is great indeed, and heavy is the responsibility; and yet it is a noble and glorious challenge.”
That task now rests with us. Citizens must demand accountability from leaders and reject the culture of blind politics. Leaders, in turn, must rise above partisanship and work towards policies that ensure economic self-reliance, quality education, modern agriculture, and social justice.
Conclusion
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was not just Ghana’s first president; he was a statesman whose dream was bigger than himself. His life is a timeless reminder that true independence means freedom of the mind, economic empowerment, and national dignity.
As we celebrate his memory, let us reflect deeply on the unfinished business of independence. Ghana cannot afford to continue glorifying mediocrity while its citizens languish in poverty. The vision of Nkrumah calls us to be bold, to think again, and to work tirelessly for a future where Ghana truly stands tall – great and strong.
May God bless our homeland Ghana.
Contact:
ananpansah@yahoo.com / aananapansah@gmail.com
0241129910 / 0200704844
