Would Ghana’s independence have been delayed or never attained without Nkrumah?
Did Nkrumah’s overthrow spell doom for the economic fortunes of Ghana?
Every September 21st, Ghana celebrates Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as the man who bravely led the country into Independence.
He became the first Prime Minister and subsequently the President of Ghana.
Nkrumah was born on September 21st is observed as Founder’s Day considering the key role he played in helping the country attain independence.
The Founder’s Day has however been changed and is now named Nkrumah Memorial Day.
The Founder’s Day has been moved to August 4th prior to the passing of the Public Holiday Amendment Bill into law in March 2019.
Pro-Nkrumahists and some members of the public criticized government for what they argued was ‘unnecessary’ and a ploy to manipulate the history of Ghana to suit some political ideologies different from Nkrumah’s and to underestimate his contribution to Ghana’s independence.
Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence, on March 6th, 1957.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was the driving force behind the independence of Ghana from British rule and founded the Convention People’s Party (CPP).
Delivering a speech on March 6, 1957, Nkrumah proclaimed “Ghana will be free forever”, from British rule, to millions of Ghanaians gathered at Independence Square now Black Stars Square.
In 1960, Prime Minister Osagyefo Dr. Kwame was sworn into office as the first President of the country, and the Republic was proclaimed.
In February 1966, while Nkrumah was on a state visit to Vietnam and China, his government was overthrown in a military coup.
“The word ‘coup’ should not be used to describe what took place in Ghana on 24th February 1966. On that day, Ghana was captured by traitors among the army and police who were inspired and helped by neo-colonialists and certain reactionary elements among our population. It was an act of aggression, an invasion planned to take place in my absence and to be maintained by force. seldom in history has a more cowardly and criminally stupid attempt been made to destroy the independence of a nation………………”.
“……………. what had happened in Ghana was no more than a tactical setback in the African revolutionary struggle of a type which I had earlier predicted. At the very first conference of the OAU in Addis Ababa, I had warned my fellow Heads of State that none of us was safe if we remained disunited.”
Those were portions of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s response to the coup when it was announced to him.
Osagyefo’s visionary leadership during his six-year presidency saw the establishment of many institutions and projects that continue to shape Ghana’s growth and prosperity.
From vital industries to educational institutions, Nkrumah’s legacy is a testament to his dedication to elevating the nation.
A wave of industrialization initiatives that laid the foundation for Ghana’s economic strength marked Nkrumah’s presidency. He focused on making Ghana self-reliant with the establishment of key industries to reduce dependency on imports.
Let’s check out some of the industries established under Nkrumah.
Nkrumah’s dedication to harnessing Ghana’s resources led to the construction of the Akosombo Dam, which not only provided electricity but also spurred the growth of industries like Akosombo Textiles Limited, contributing to local employment.
Osagyefo’s agricultural focus birthed the Asutuare Sugar Factory and the Buokrom Estate, boosting sugar production and providing housing for workers.
His commitment to value addition in agriculture led to the establishment of the Bolgatanga Meat Processing Factory, promoting local meat processing.
Kwame Nkrumah’s pursuit of food security materialized in the creation of the Bolgatanga Rice Mill Factory, boosting domestic rice production.
Under his visionary leadership, the Kade Match Factory emerged, contributing to local production and reducing import dependency.
Nkrumah recognized that education was pivotal for a nation’s progress. He established institutions that continue to shape the country’s intellectual landscape. Below are the educational institutions he established.
Accra Polytechnic (Now Accra Technical University): This institution’s evolution into Accra Technical University remains a testament to Nkrumah’s commitment to technical education.
Ajumako School of Languages (Now Under UEW): By creating the Ajumako School of Languages, Nkrumah paved the way for language studies, contributing to cultural preservation.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST): This renowned institution stands as a monument to Nkrumah’s emphasis on science and technology education.
University of Cape Coast (UCC): The establishment of UCC expanded educational opportunities along the coast, promoting higher learning.
Enchi Training College: Nkrumah’s emphasis on education extended to teacher training, exemplified by the establishment of Enchi Training College.
Fosu Training College: The creation of Fosu Training College bolstered teacher education and improved the quality of education.
University of Ghana (University College of Gold Coast): The expansion of this institution into the University of Ghana underscores Nkrumah’s dedication to higher learning.
Ghana Medical School: His commitment to healthcare and medical education found expression in the establishment of Ghana Medical School.
Techiman Secondary School: Nkrumah’s focus on expanding educational access is evident through institutions like Techiman Secondary School.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s presidency saw the transformation of Ghana’s urban landscape, with projects to meet the health needs of citizens.
Kumasi Central Hospital (Now Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital): Nkrumah’s investment in healthcare is evident in the expansion of this hospital, ensuring quality medical care for Ghanaians.
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital: The expansion of Korle Bu, with specialized blocks, demonstrated Nkrumah’s commitment to healthcare excellence.
Tema Township and Tema Motorway: Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for a modern industrial city materialized in the establishment of Tema Township and the Tema Motorway, linking Accra and Tema for efficient transport.
Kumasi Jute Factory and Kumasi Shoe Factory: These initiatives contributed to industrial growth, providing quality jute products and footwear to Ghanaians.
City Hotel Catering Rest Houses (Now Golden Tulip – Kumasi): The transformation of this facility into Golden Tulip Hotel demonstrates Nkrumah’s commitment to hospitality infrastructure.
Patasi Estate: Nkrumah had a vision for planned housing. This resulted in the creation of Patasi Estate, contributing to urban housing solutions.
Meridian Hotel: The establishment of Meridian Hotel highlighted the first President’s efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure.
Nkrumah’s legacy in the financial sector is palpable through the establishment of key institutions:
Bank of Ghana (BoG): The BoG’s foundation during Nkrumah’s time remains the backbone of Ghana’s financial system.
Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB): Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s efforts resulted in the establishment of GCB, facilitating financial access and stability.
The National Investment Bank (NIB) was also created.
Ghana Black Star Line: Nkrumah’s endeavors in the maritime sector included the establishment of the Ghana Black Star Line, fostering shipping and trade.
Ghana News Agency: The creation of this agency strengthened media and communication networks, supporting national development.
GIHOC Pharmaceuticals: Nkrumah’s focus on pharmaceuticals led to the establishment of GIHOC Pharmaceuticals, contributing to healthcare access.
Nkrumah recognized the significance of culture and creativity in national identity and growth. He established the following institutions to promote tourism.
Ghana Film Industries – Accra and Ghana Film Corporation: These institutions nurtured Ghana’s film industry, fostering cultural expression and creative entrepreneurship.
Institute of African Studies: Nkrumah’s commitment to preserving and studying African heritage is evident in establishing the institute.
State Farm Institutes: His agricultural innovation bid extended to State Farm Institutes, promoting modern farming techniques.
Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah’s visionary leadership left an indelible mark on Ghana’s history. His six years in office were characterized by bold initiatives that propelled Ghana’s development across industries, education, infrastructure, and more. Today, as we enjoy the fruits of his labor, Nkrumah’s name remains synonymous with progress, and his legacy continues to inspire us to strive for greatness.
In the end, Nkrumah’s achievements, ranging from the establishment of educational institutions to the creation of vital industries, stand as a testament to his dedication to Ghana’s growth and development. The name “Osagyefo” resonates with Ghanaians as a symbol of transformative leadership, and the impact of his presidency continues to shape the nation’s path to prosperity.
Nkrumah never returned to Ghana and died in April 1972. In September 2009, President John Atta Mills declared September 21st (the centenary of Kwame Nkrumah’s birth in 1909) to be Founder’s Day, a statutory holiday in Ghana.
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s name will never die.
