Prez. Nana Akufo-Addo has stated that a careful look at Ghana\u2019s history and her struggle for freedom and independence demonstrates that the country could not have been founded by one person but by the collective effort of several persons who jointly fought for the liberation of the country from British colonial rule beginning in 1897, some 127 years ago.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Ghanaian people in a televised message aired on 3 August 2024 to commemorate Founders Day (4 August 2024), President Akufo-Addo said while he recognises the immense contribution of the country\u2019s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah to the country\u2019s quest for self-determination, he rejects completely the notion that he single-handedly founded Ghana.<\/p>\n
<\/span>\u201cIt is most appropriate that we have chosen this date to honor their (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.<\/p>\n \u201cWhilst Kwame Nkrumah\u2019s contributions to our independence are undeniable and unassailable, it is important to acknowledge for our self-respect that the struggle for our nation\u2019s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations,\u201d President Akufo-Addo remarked.<\/p>\n \u201cThe formation of the Aborigines Rights Protection Society, the British West African National Congress jointly sponsored by Joseph K. Hayford and Thomas Hutton Mills, the United Gold Coast Convention, the work of countless unsung heroes, and the tenacious spirit of our people all played vital parts in bringing us to freedom and independence.<\/p>\n \u201cKwame Nkrumah, with his charismatic visionary leadership, was undoubtedly a major actor in the final lap of our journey to independence. And that is why, despite the several unfortunate things that happened after independence, under his watch, Parliament in 2019 decided to memorialise his date of birth as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, the only Ghanaian so far to be so honored in our history,\u201d Akufo-Addo further remarked.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is essential to recognise that Kwame Nkrumah stood on the shoulders of past leaders. The groundwork laid by the Aborigines Rights Protection Society, the British West African National Congress, the United Gold Coast Convention, and many other organisations and individuals provided the foundation upon which Kwame Nkrumah built the Convention People\u2019s Party, CPP.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd indeed, that is why he was careful to associate the name of his new party with that of the convention. The contributions of the leaders before him were instrumental as is natural in the continuum of history in shaping the political landscape and facilitated Kwame Nkrumah\u2019s rise to prominence,\u201d the President added.<\/p>\n The American example<\/strong><\/p>\n Stressing further on his stands on the need to celebrate all of Ghana\u2019s founding fathers, President Akufo-Addo indicated that \u201ceven though comparisons may be invidious, it is worth recalling that George Washington, the victorious general of America\u2019s war of independence from British colonial rule and the first president of the United States of America is not described as the founder of the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe accolade of the founding fathers [in the United States of America] is reserved to the group of 56 persons who assembled at the Philadelphia Convention of the Continental Congress to write and promulgate the Constitution of the United States of America,\u201d President Akufo-Addo stated in his televised address.<\/p>\n Seven priority areas<\/strong><\/p>\n In his statement, President Akufo-Addo proposed seven priority areas he believes the country and its leaders (present and future) must pay attention to if the nation is to develop and ensure equitable distribution of state resources for all persons to benefit from the same.<\/p>\n According to President Akufo-Addo, Ghanaian society \u201cis becoming more inclusive with greater representation and participation from women, youth, and marginalised communities.\u201d To this end, he pointed out that the nation must continue to implement \u201cpolicies and initiatives to promote gender equality, like the recently enacted affirmative action bill, empower our youth, and protect the rights of all citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis inclusivity is a reflection of the values of our founders and is essential for building a just and equitable society. However, we must also recognise that our journey is far from over. As we celebrate our past, we must also look to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and determination,<\/p>\n \u201cWe must continue to work towards building a Ghana that is equitable, free, just, and prosperous for all her citizens. Our founders envisaged a nation where every Ghanaian will have the opportunity to thrive regardless of his or her background or circumstances,\u201d Akufo-Addo said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is our duty to carry forward this vision, to build on their legacy, and to create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. To achieve this, we must, in my respectful view, focus on 7 key areas,\u201d President Akufo-Addo added.<\/p>\n The seven priority areas the President proposed are first; Investing in Education, secondly, prioritising health care, thirdly, pay attention to Agriculture, fourthly, advancing the country\u2019s economic development, fifthly, intensifying the building of strong security institutions (Police, Military, etc.), sixthly, strengthening democratic institutions such as the Judiciary) and lastly, advocating national unity and cohesion.<\/p>\n