The 'Big six' is a myth; Nkrumah is the only person who must be celebrated on founder's day — Prof. Atuguba

Professor Raymond Akongburo Atuguba, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, has dismissed the widely accepted idea that Ghana's independence struggle was led by the group known as the 'Big Six'.

The Big Six, comprised of Kwame Nkrumah, Joseph Boakye ('J.B.') Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, William Ofori Atta, and Edward Akufo-Addo, are often credited as the key figures in Ghana's fight for independence.

However, during the Founders' Day Celebration of the Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) on August 4, 2024, Professor Atuguba argued that the concept of the 'Big Six' is a myth created to ensure recognition for certain individuals whose contributions to the independence struggle were minimal.

According to Professor Atuguba, evidence shows that the members of the Big Six did not work together cohesively and had differing views on the path to independence.

He emphasized that Ghana, as it is known today, is largely the creation of Kwame Nkrumah, who should be solely celebrated on Founders' Day.

"The Myth of the Big Six means exactly that; the Big Six is a myth. And the 'Real Founder's Day' means that today is the Real Founder's Day, indicating there is only one Founder and not many founders," he stated.

He acknowledged the contributions of various individuals and organizations to the independence movement, including chiefs, business figures, lawyers, ex-servicemen, market women, and veranda boys, but insisted that Founders' Day should be dedicated to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

"There was no Big Six. The Six never saw themselves as a unit and did not act as a unit. When tensions rose, the members often turned against each other, preventing any unified, consolidated action.

“A deep reading of the Watson Commission Report reveals that the other five blamed Nkrumah for their arrest and disapproved of his immediate self-rule plan. How can you be honored for Ghana's independence in 1957 when you did not want that independence to happen at that time?" he questioned.

Professor Atuguba criticized the Founders' Day concept as an unnecessary invention by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to elevate his father and uncles to the same status as Kwame Nkrumah.

"This totally needless and backward-looking debate was instigated by the current government to privilege the roles of the relatives of the two most politically powerful persons in Ghana today. So, President Akufo-Addo wants Edward Akufo-Addo made a founder of Ghana, and Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta wants William Ofori Atta made a founder of Ghana," he concluded.