In his 2024 Founders’ Day address on Saturday, August 3, President Nana Akufo-Addo firmly dismissed the idea that Ghana was founded by a single individual. The President’s remarks were a direct response to the ongoing debate over the role of Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana’s independence, a topic that has sparked controversy and passionate discourse over the years.
President Akufo-Addo began his address by acknowledging the significant contributions of Kwame Nkrumah to Ghana’s independence. However, he made it clear that while Nkrumah’s efforts were crucial, he was not the sole architect of the nation’s freedom. The President emphasized that the struggle for independence was a collective effort involving many individuals across several generations.
“I speak to you this evening, rejecting completely, the notion that Ghana was founded by one man,” President Akufo-Addo stated. “While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable, it is important to acknowledge for ourselves that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations.”
This statement reflects the President’s broader perspective on Ghana’s history, which he believes should honor the contributions of all those who played a role in the nation’s journey to independence. By rejecting the idea of a single founder, President Akufo-Addo is advocating for a more inclusive recognition of Ghana’s history, one that respects the diverse contributions of many individuals.
The debate over Ghana’s founding has been a contentious issue in the country’s political and historical discourse. In 2019, the Ghanaian Parliament passed a law establishing August 4 as Founders’ Day, a holiday intended to honor all individuals who contributed to the nation’s independence. This law also designated September 21 as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, specifically to acknowledge Nkrumah’s unique role in the independence movement.
The decision to create Founders’ Day, however, was not without controversy. Some individuals and groups strongly opposed the move, arguing that Kwame Nkrumah’s leadership was so pivotal that he deserved sole recognition as the founder of Ghana. These critics maintain that Nkrumah’s vision, leadership, and determination were the driving forces behind the nation’s independence, and they believe that recognizing other figures diminishes his legacy.
Despite these objections, President Akufo-Addo’s stance is that Ghana’s independence was the result of a collective struggle. He believes that honoring only one individual does not fully capture the breadth of efforts that went into securing the country’s freedom. Instead, he advocates for a more comprehensive view of history, one that celebrates the diverse contributions of all those who played a role in the independence movement.
The establishment of Founders’ Day on August 4 was intended to reflect this broader perspective. This date was chosen to honor the role of the Big Six, a group of leaders who played a significant role in Ghana’s fight for independence. By creating this holiday, the government sought to ensure that the contributions of all key figures in the independence movement are recognized and remembered.
President Akufo-Addo’s remarks during the Founders’ Day address highlight his commitment to this inclusive view of Ghana’s history. By rejecting the notion of a single founder, he is encouraging Ghanaians to take pride in the collective efforts that led to the nation’s independence and to recognize the contributions of all those who fought for freedom.
As Ghana continues to evolve and reflect on its past, President Akufo-Addo’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and collective effort in the country’s history. His stance on the issue of Ghana’s founding underscores the need to honor all who played a role in the nation’s journey to independence, ensuring that their contributions are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
