National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has called for Dr Kwame Nkrumah to be given distinct recognition for his role in Ghana’s independence and the formation of the modern Ghanaian state.
Speaking at the 2026 NkrumahFest in Nkroful on Saturday, September 19, Mr Asiedu Nketiah argued against efforts to place other independence-era figures on the same historical footing as Dr Nkrumah. The annual festival was instituted by Ellembelle MP and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to commemorate Nkrumah’s life and legacy.
Asiedu Nketiah’s Position on Kwame Nkrumah
According to Asiedu Nketiah, Dr Kwame Nkrumah played a unique role in bringing together the territories that eventually became modern Ghana.
He cited the Gold Coast, Ashanti Kingdom, Northern Territories and Trans-Volta Togoland as separate political and administrative entities before independence and argued that Nkrumah’s leadership was central to their unification into the country known today as Ghana.
Asiedu Nketiah therefore maintained that Nkrumah should retain distinct recognition as Ghana’s founder, stressing the former leader’s contribution to the country’s independence and nation-building.
NkrumahFest 2026 Celebrates Ghana’s First President
The comments were made during NkrumahFest 2026, which was held at Nkroful in Ghana’s Western Region to mark the 117th anniversary of Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s birth.
This year’s celebration was organised under the theme “Nkrumah @ 117: Celebrating His Enduring Legacy – Africa Must Unite or Perish.” The event brought together political leaders, traditional authorities, academics and Pan-African advocates to reflect on Nkrumah’s contribution to Ghana and Africa.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who convened the festival, has also called on Ghanaians and Africans to translate Nkrumah’s principles of Pan-Africanism, self-determination and self-reliance into practical action.
Asiedu Nketiah Highlights Nkrumah’s Legacy
The NDC National Chairman has previously spoken about the influence of Nkrumah-era policies on his own life, particularly the introduction of free compulsory universal basic education.
He said his personal experience with the policy contributed to his decision to study Nkrumah’s works and continue advocating for the preservation of the former president’s legacy.
The latest comments have added to the ongoing public discussion about Kwame Nkrumah’s historical legacy, Ghana’s independence struggle and the contributions of figures associated with the country’s journey to independence.
Source: newsthemegh.com