Parliament Eulogises Nkrumah

Hon Richard Quashigah, MP-Keta

Parliament has paid glowing tribute to the memory of the Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, first President of the Republic of Ghana for his unprecedented role in the fight against colonialism and achievements in the annals of the country's history and beyond.

Members of both sides of the house took turns to sing his greatness and enumerate some major achievements of Osagyefo.

Mr Richard Mawuli Quashigah, member of Parliament for the Keta constituency urged Parliament to take the necessary steps to ensure that 21st September, Nkrumah`s birthday which was declared Ghana`s Founders Day by late President Mills in recognition of Nkrumah`s role in the independence struggle is captured in the National Holiday Act with the requisite legal backing.

He made the call in a statement on the floor of the House to mark the 49th anniversary of the Overthrow of Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

According to him the emergence of Nkrumah on the political scene in the then Gold Coast provided a new impetus in the fight against colonialism putting enormous pressure on the British which eventually won political independence for Ghana.

Hon Quashigah described Nkrumah as a Pan-Africanist, who mobilized the masses against colonialism and was the architect of the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) now African Union.

Nkrumah he said became the symbol of hope and emancipation for Africans and all oppressed people all over the world and was founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement.

According to the Keta MP, Nkrumah`s quest for the economic transformation of the nation was demonstrated in the establishment of factories and industries, the construction of the Tema City and Harbour, expanded road networks, expanded civil service and the Akosombo Dam for a sustained availability of power.

Other achievements of the Nkrumah government mentioned in the statement includes; the Black Star Shipping Line to support Ghana`s export and the provision of social amenities such as health and educational infrastructure to train health professional and teachers as well as provide services to the masses free of charge.

He also extended water projects across the country to most communities.

The statement noted that the overthrow of Dr Nkrumah on 24th February, 1966 by the CIA with local agents negatively affected the progress of the nation as his achievements are still evident.

`` Mr Speaker, achievements of the Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah are still evident in the country as they continue to be the fulcrum around which current development drives revolve'' he stated.

According to him declassified files of the Central Intelligence Agency of the 1999 showed the involvement in the overthrow Kwame Nkrumah.

He challenged Ghanaians to reflect on the ideas of Nkrumah to help build a better Ghana.

Hon Joe Baidoe-Ansah, MP for Kwesimintsim described Nkrumah as a great man who`s overthrow was very unfortunate.

According to him, all who took part in his overthrow must bow their heads in shame.