Akufo-Addo: “They believe we were asleep before Nkrumah and CPP”

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed his stance on the multifaceted nature of Ghana’s founding history, emphasising that Ghanaians were actively shaping their future long before the arrival of former President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the Convention People’s Party (CPP).

In his remarks during the 2024 Founders’ Day address on August 3, President Akufo-Addo challenged the widely held belief that Ghana’s independence movement was solely spearheaded by Dr. Nkrumah. This statement sparked debate among various individuals and groups who revere Nkrumah’s central role in Ghana’s path to independence.

Addressing senior citizens at a ceremony in Accra to mark Founders’ Day on August 5, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his position, underscoring the collaborative efforts that contributed to the country’s founding.

“I know there are some who question this ceremony, that is, 4th August as Founders’ Day, because they believe that we were asleep in Ghana until the arrival of Kwame Nkrumah and the CPP,” he stated. “I have already stated my views on that several times, including in my speech last Saturday evening. I don’t intend to go over that matter again.”

President Akufo-Addo highlighted the 2019 parliamentary consensus that established August 4th as Founders’ Day while also dedicating a separate memorial day to honour Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He praised this consensus for balancing the recognition of Nkrumah’s contributions with the acknowledgement of other pivotal figures in Ghana’s history.

“Suffice to say, I believe that the consensus that parliament arrived at in 2019, honouring Kwame Nkrumah with a memorial day and preserving the historical importance and significance of August 4th in our history, is a good consensus, and it deserves to last,” he added.

The president’s remarks underscore the importance of a comprehensive view of Ghana’s independence struggle, recognising the collective efforts of various leaders and groups who played significant roles in the country’s journey to freedom.

As the nation continues to celebrate its rich history, President Akufo-Addo’s comments serve as a reminder of the diverse contributions that have shaped Ghana’s path to becoming a sovereign nation.