Former President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, have condemned what they describe as continuous name-calling and deliberate mischief against the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, one of Ghana’s foremost political figures.
Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Remembrance Service at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Kyebi on Sunday, March 9, where a compendium of 60 commemorative statements was launched in JB Danquah’s honor, Akufo-Addo eulogized his immense contribution to Ghana’s development.
According to the former president, Dr. Danquah was a pillar of the rule of law and a champion of democratic governance, principles upon which Ghana’s democracy was founded. He emphasized that JB Danquah’s vision for democracy and the rule of law has been realized, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) upholding his mantra of “development in freedom.”
Akufo-Addo further noted that, although JB Danquah never held executive office, his influence was exceptional and far-reaching, shaping Ghana’s legal, philosophical, economic, educational, and cultural frameworks.
However, he lamented the continued controversies surrounding Danquah’s name, both in life and in death.
He recalled the inhumane conditions under which Danquah was buried after his incarceration under Kwame Nkrumah’s government in 1965, and decried the “vicious name-calling” that persists six decades after his passing.
“Those of us who admire the works of this great champion of Ghanaian freedom and progress must take solace, not just from the benevolence of our God in heaven, but also from the philosophy Mr. Danquah claimed for himself in the cell of Sekondi Prison,” Akufo-Addo stated.
Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin also reiterated the significance of JB Danquah’s legacy, urging an end to the mischievous narratives surrounding his name.
He emphasized the need to celebrate Danquah’s contributions rather than allowing his legacy to be tarnished.
Additionally, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned recent comments made by a member of parliament against JB Danquah, describing them as “bold and naked lies.” He said such remarks reflect “undeserving indignity and evil” that the late statesman continues to endure.
The event marked a renewed call for Ghanaians to recognize and uphold the legacy of Dr. JB Danquah as a key figure in the country’s political history.
Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah a member of the “Big Six” who played instrumental role in Ghana’s independence.
JB Danquah was astute Ghanaian politician, scholar, anglophile, lawyer and statesman. He was a politician in pre and post-colonial Ghana, which was formerly the Gold Coast . He carries the acollade the “doyen of gold cost democracy “.
He died at 69 years while in prison at Nsawam under Ghana’s first President Osagyefuo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on 4th February 1965.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
