Samia Recalls 1966 Coup

THE ONLY DAUGHTER of Ghana's first President, Samia Nkrumah has indicated that the new presidential complex brings back fresh memories of the coupe d'etat which overthrew her father's government.

Samia who was a guest at the opening of the new presidential complex was however happy to have participated in the grand opening of the place and seeing the Flagstaff House which once served as a residence for the first family when she was growing up.

Even though she remembers vividly that she was born in the Castle, Osu which her father used briefly, Samia and her brothers Gamel and Sekou were children residing with their mother, Fathia Nkrumah at the Flagstaff House when the military overthrew her father in a coup on February 24, 1966. Fathia later left with her children to resettle in Egypt while Nkrumah was in Hanoi.

Her brother Sekou Nkrumah who is in Ghana was also invited to the programme but when it was time to join the President to cut the tape he was conspicuously missing as Samia walked to the dais and in the company of the dignitaries present was ushered into the super-imposing building.

In an interview with the DAILY GUIDE after she had toured the office complex that would henceforth serve as the seat of government, Samia, also known as Yaba, who said they were thrown out of the Flagstaff House with only their clothes on, intimated that she was “not here to be resentful” but was rather happy and moved seeing the laudable effort of the incumbent government in restoring the place.

“Today I am happy and privileged to participate in the commissioning of this project,” said the elated daughter of Ghana's former president.

The new presidential complex christened the “Golden Jubilee House” comprises an office complex to house the President, the Vice President, civil and public servants as well as a residence for the President which can accommodate a visiting head of state.

The project was extended to cover the restoration of the Flagstaff House, which was the official residence of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The restored Flagstaff House which President Kufuor described as a heritage property will now be called “Nkrumah's Heritage House”.

She described the naming of the former residence of her father after him as befitting and in recognition of the vision of Ghana's first president, who played a pivotal role in the freedom movement across the continent of Africa.   

Samia, who has stayed, schooled and worked in various parts of the world and had on many occasions expressed her faith in the future of Ghana, said she was committed to reviving her father's vision.

“Despite our political differences it is good for us to stand together and protect the unity and solidarity of our people,” said Yaba who is contesting the Jomoro parliamentary seat on the ticket of the Convention People's Party (CPP) founded by her father.  

Kwadwo Mpiani, Chief of Staff, in an address, announced that the office complex has been completed as phase one of the project and that the second phase will have a building that will house a clinic, a restaurant, bank, post office, a fire service post as well as a large parking area for vehicles.

By Sheilla Sackey& Emelia Ennin Abbey