Saint Francis Day and Founder's Day: A Timely Reminder of Great Legacies and Unfinished Missions By: Onsy Kwame Nkrumah Jr

As Italy reinstates the celebration of Saint Francis Day, honouring Saint Francis of Assisi, the joint Patron Saint of Italy alongside Saint Catherine of Sienna, the world is reminded of the enduring power of humility, compassion, and service. Falling annually on October 4, the feast will be more fully observed next year to mark its special 800th anniversary.

This year’s celebration takes on even deeper meaning, not just for Catholics, but for all who revere the values of simplicity, peace, and dedication to humanity that Saint Francis embodied.

It’s also an interesting coincidence that in Ghana, the year, 2025 marks the reinstatement of Founder’s Day, a day to remember Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the nation’s first President and the visionary behind Ghana’s independence and early development drive.

Few people know that Kwame Nkrumah was originally named Francis Nkrumah at birth, a name given to him by his mother. Though he later relinquished the European name, he maintained a deep respect for the saint, even naming his first son, the late Professor Francis Nkrumah, after him. This symbolic connection between Saint Francis of Assisi and Francis Nkrumah is a powerful reminder that names carry not just identity, but inspiration, legacy, and mission.

Today, as Catholics around the world mark Saint Francis Day, Italians are celebrating it as a reinstated national holiday, a decision by the Italian government to honour one of its greatest sons and moral compasses. Similarly, Ghanaians must view the return of Founder’s Day not merely as a holiday, but as a call to rekindle Nkrumah’s vision for national unity, industrial growth, and self-reliance.

These celebrations should do more than remind us of past greatness; they should inspire action. As we say, “Nkrumah never dies,” so too must his principles and policies live on as guiding lights for Ghana’s developmental journey. With the right leadership and renewed commitment, the dreams of Osagyefo can be revived, refined, and realised.

The Convention People’s Party (CPP), which he founded, must see this moment as a chance for rebirth, an opportunity to rebuild itself, reconnect with the people, and reposition itself as a credible force to complete the unfinished mission of Ghana’s transformation.

Indeed, as both Italy and Ghana look back to celebrate their great sons, the message is clear: true legacies are not meant to fade into memory; they are meant to guide the future.

Happy Saint Francis Feast Day—and Happy Founder's Spirit to Ghana!

Blessed Saint Francis Sunday to all.