The ongoing debate over who should be credited as Ghana’s founder—or founders—is not just a matter of historical record but a lively discussion that continues to evoke strong opinions and historical scrutiny, making it a topic of significant interest and relevance.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a central figure in Ghana’s struggle for independence, is widely recognized as a vital founder of the nation. For nearly 67 years, many Ghanaians have viewed Nkrumah as the primary architect of the country’s independence from British colonial rule.
Nkrumah’s contributions were officially commemorated when President John Evans Atta Mills declared September 21, Nkrumah’s birthday, as Founder’s Day.
This holiday honoured Nkrumah’s pivotal role in Ghana’s history.
However, the designation of a single founder was later expanded to Founders’ Day, a more inclusive term that recognizes the collective efforts of all those who contributed to Ghana’s path to self-governance, fostering a sense of unity and shared history among Ghanaians.
In August 2014, President John Dramani Mahama altered the holiday to Founders’ Day, moving the date to August 4, the anniversary of the founding of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).
This change was intended to acknowledge all individuals involved in the independence struggle, broadening the recognition beyond Nkrumah alone.
The shift has sparked an ongoing debate about the appropriate designation of Ghana’s founders.
Some critics argue that current President Nana Akufo-Addo’s emphasis on Founders’ Day reflects an attempt to rewrite history or settle historical grievances, especially in the context of his party’s political rivalry with Nkrumah’s legacy.
Historically, the UGCC, formed before Ghana’s independence, played a significant role in the nationalist movement. Nkrumah was appointed General Secretary of the UGCC but later clashed with the party’s leadership over its gradual approach to independence.
His push for immediate action led to Ghana’s eventual independence on March 6, 1957. Kojo Yankah, founder of the Pan African Heritage Museum, has highlighted Nkrumah’s crucial role in this transformation.
Nkrumah’s leadership is evident in his tenure as Ghana’s first prime minister and later its first president.
However, his relationship with other UGCC leaders, such as the late JB Danquah, reveals historical tensions that complicate the narrative of who should be considered the primary founder.
Similar to how Christopher Columbus is often credited with the discovery of the Americas or David Dacko is recognized as a founding figure in the Central African Republic, the debate in Ghana centres on how to appropriately honour the diverse contributors to the country’s independence.
As long as political power alternates between parties like the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), interpretations of Ghana’s founding moment may continue to shift.
One potential solution to the ongoing debate could involve enshrining the concept of the founder or founders in the constitution through a referendum, offering a more stable and democratic resolution, and instilling a sense of hope and optimism about the future of this historical debate.
Ultimately, the title of “founder” or “founders” may continue to evolve with changes in government, reflecting the dynamic and contested nature of national history and identity.
