Dr. Sekou Nkrumah, son of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, has criticized President Nana Akufo-Addo and his administration for being overly preoccupied with historical grievances.
The remarks follow President Akufo-Addo’s statement on August 3, 2024, during his Founder’s Day address, where he refuted that Dr Kwame Nkrumah was the sole leader of Ghana’s independence movement.
Akufo-Addo emphasized that Ghana’s freedom resulted from a collective effort involving multiple generations, not the work of a single individual.
“I speak to you this evening, altogether rejecting the notion that one man founded Ghana.
While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable, it is essential to acknowledge that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations,” President Akufo-Addo said.
The statement has sparked controversy, with criticism from the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and various political historians.
The CPP has firmly rejected the President’s view, and historians have challenged his comments.
In response, Sekou Nkrumah told 3FM’s Beatrice Adu that the current administration is stuck in the past.
“The president is still living in the emotions of the past and is unable to move beyond historical grievances,” he said.
Nkrumah emphasized that while he acknowledges the contributions of the ‘Big Six’—the prominent figures who played significant roles in Ghana’s independence—Nkrumah’s leadership and his role in attaining independence should not be diminished.
“People would argue that others struggled alongside him, but the point is that he captured power and led us to independence.
Let’s not take that away from him,” Nkrumah stated. He further criticized the government’s focus on historical debates, urging a move beyond what he sees as petty disputes.
Nkrumah called for a more inclusive understanding of Ghana’s history, recognizing the contributions of all involved while maintaining respect for his father’s pivotal role.
