Of Nkrumah, Legacy and Drunk Delusion.

Ghana has come a long way, the foundation of this nation-state we call home has been carefully laid out by gallant men and not so gallant men.

In the annals of Ghanaian history, few names shine as brightly as that of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

A visionary leader, a tireless advocate for independence, and a transformative force in the nation’s development, Nkrumah’s legacy stands tall even decades after his passing. His contributions spanned from political achievements to groundbreaking infrastructural projects, each a testament to his unwavering dedication to Ghana’s prosperity.

It was under Nkrumah’s stewardship that Ghana saw its emergence from colonial rule in 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence. His leadership was marked by bold initiatives aimed at industrialization, education, and healthcare, laying down the foundations for a modern Ghana. The Akosombo Dam, a monumental project initiated during his tenure, symbolized Ghana’s leap towards energy self-sufficiency and economic progress.

However, Nkrumah’s path was not without challenges. The nascent democracy he championed faced opposition, mainly from the Danquah/Busia tradition, leading to tumultuous periods marked by coups and political instability. Yet, through it all, Nkrumah’s vision endured, inspiring generations with his unwavering commitment to Ghana’s advancement.

Fast forward to the present day, where echoes of Nkrumah’s legacy resonate against a backdrop of contemporary politics. The comparison drawn between Nkrumah’s transformative era and the current administration under President Nana Akufo-Addo/Dr Bawumia is not just misguided but profoundly disrespectful. The notion, as articulated by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, that Akufo-Addo’s governance eclipses Nkrumah’s achievements is not just a fallacy but an insult to Ghana’s history.

The tenure of Nana Akufo-Addo/Dr Bawumia has been marred by failures across various sectors. Promises of economic revitalization and social reforms have fallen short, leaving many disillusioned with unmet expectations.We can make quick reference to a litany of scandals from PDS through to Agyapa. People are still reeling from the devastating impact of the Domestic Debt Exchange Program occasioned by inept economic mismanagement. Cost of living is at an all-time high and the cedi is has broken jail.

Infrastructure projects initiated by Nkrumah still stand as enduring symbols of progress, contrasting sharply with the stalled developments under the current administration. The disrespect shown towards Nkrumah’s unparalleled legacy is not just a matter of historical revisionism but a disservice to the Ghanaian people who continue to benefit from his foresight.

As we reflect on Nkrumah’s achievements, let us reaffirm his place in history as a leader whose contributions transcend political rhetoric and partisan divides. His vision for Ghana was one of unity, progress, and self-determination—a vision that remains relevant today as the nation navigates its path forward. Nkrumah’s legacy is not just a memory but a call to action, urging us to uphold his ideals of development, justice, and equality.

The attempt to diminish Nkrumah’s legacy by the misguided, arrogant political posturing of a loose cannon is not just misguided but an affront to Ghana’s journey towards prosperity.

Let us remember that his legacy is peerless and must never be disrespected or diminished by those who fail to grasp the magnitude of his contributions to our beloved nation.

The bible says in the book of Matthew 15:10-11 ~ Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand.What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

We pray Matthew learns.

By Kosi Fiaka.

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