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Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah remembered 50 years after his death (Part One)
“As far as I am concerned, I am happy in the knowledge that death can never extinguish the torch which I have lit in Ghana and Africa. Long after I am dead and gone, the light will continue to burn and be borne aloft giving light and guidance to all people”. – Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Wednesday, 27th April, 2022 marked the 50th Anniversary of the death of indefatigable Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s First President, a Nationalist, a Great Pan Africanist, an intellectual icon with a unique sense of responsibility, a man of vision and foresight, a veritable pillar of truth and moral principles, brave, talented, illustrious and sagacious.
A man of invigorate integrity his personality was vibrant encompassing simplicity and frankness of thought. The purpose of this article is to eulogise this Great Son of Ghana and Africa.
HIS VISIT TO HANOI ON 21ST FEBRUARY, 1966
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah left the shores of Ghana on a state visit to Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital ostensibly to broker a peace deal to end the American war in Vietnam.
THE 1966 COUP D’ETAT – OPERATION COLD CHOP On 24th February, 1966, the Ghana Police and the Ghana Armed Forces aided and abetted by the sinister forces of imperialism took advantage of his absence from the country and staged a bloody coup that overthrew his government.
The coup was code-named “Operation Cold Chop”, and it was led by Major Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka.
EXILE, DEATH AND BURIAL
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah went into exile in Guinea at the invitation of his friend, President Sekon Toure, the President of Guinea who appointed him Honorary Co-President of his country. He stayed in Guinea for six years.
In 1971, felt sick and he was flown to Bucharest, Romania for treatment. He was diagnosed of Prostrate Cancer and on 27th April, 1972, the life of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, like a candle in the wind, was blown off in this beautiful world.
The Government of Ghana, the National Redemption Council (NRC), under the leadership of Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong engaged in a protracted negotiation for his remains to be flown to Ghana. He was buried in his hometown, Nkroful, in the Western Region on 9th July, 1972.
It is significant to note that the casket that contained his body had this inscription boldly on it. “THE GREAT AFRICAN”, an acknowledgment of the fact that he was truly a Great son of Africa.
RE-BURIAL AT THE MAUSOLEUM
On 1st July, 1992 the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) under the distinguished leadership of Fit.Lt. J.J. Rawlings transferred his remains to The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a tomb which was constructed to honour his memory.
It serves as a Tourist Destination. Many visitors all over the world visit this tomb for excursion and educational purposes. Incidentally, that place was the Polo Ground where he declared Ghana’s independence from Great Britain on 6th March, 1957 – “At long last the battle has ended and thus Ghana your beloved country is free forever.”
So ended the life of a man who was imbued with the spirit of patriotism and nationalism, a man whose unbridled passion for the socio-economic development of his country was his priority. A philosopher par excellence, an astute political and social thinker, an avid reader, a prolific writer, an unswerving and irrepressible upholder of the principle of truth, social and ethical justice.
Even when he embarked upon his journey to the undiscovered world of mystery through whose sojourn no man returns, he had achieved the enviable record and unequalled distinction of being the first in the entire black world who with indomitable will and iron determination fought doggedly with a bull-dog tenacity of purpose to lead his country to free itself from the shackles of colonialism and imperialism.
NKRUMAH’s FAMOUS POLITICAL DICTUM
Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah’s political dictum, “The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent” was significant in the political history of Ghana and Africa.
Through his personal involvement and absolute commitment to the African liberation struggle, his charm and charisma, organisational acumen, razor-sharp intellect and quintessential display of oratorical excellence he demonstrated a superior combination of effective, dynamic and inspirational leadership which set in motion a hurricane of nationalism which was described by Harold Macmillan then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom as “the wind of change blowing through the continent of Africa”, a nationalism which guided the entire colonial world to gain their own sovereign independence from their colonial masters thus ending the invidious colonial oppression.
After Ghana gained independence in 1957, Guinea followed and gained its independence in 1958. Through his persistent and consistent fight for the emancipation of the African continent, in 1960, 17 more colonies in Africa including Nigeria, and nearly all the French African colonies became sovereign independent nations.
Within four years after independence of his rule, 32 African States which were under the colonial yoke gained their independence. Thus, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s influence became the political anodyne which healed the colonial wound – oppression, suppression and servitude – a colonial system that had done an incalculable harm to the African Continent.
In fact, it is very important to note that Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s political umbilical cord was inextricably linked to the total liberation of Africa and the political unification of the African Continent. Addressing the United Nation’s General Assembly in New York on 23rd September, 1960, he said, “As long as a single foot of African soil remains under foreign domination the world shall know no peace”. …to be continued
The writer is a Former Regional Director,
Ghana National Service Scheme, Takoradi.
By Ken Gyenfi
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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