‘Founder's Or Founders' Day?’

In commemoration of this year's birth celebration of OSAGYEFO DR. KWAME NKRUMAH, I wish to also in my own small way talk to the subject above. The brouhaha of the subject above started not just today but, its recent spread can be attributed to our President Nana Addo's call for a debate on the subject.

I personally do not think debating this issue is in any way worthwhile. Why do I think so? Because, our history as a people has been consistent from colonialism to date. Nothing is skewed from 1947 till now. What has changed to compel us debate our history? I will like to indulge you readers in two perspectives with regards to our very straight forward history in this regard. Thus, scripted and unscripted history in relation to the subject matter above.

Unscripted history may be referred to as, past events that are not documented but, verbally passed on from generation to generation. This is the commonest means by which people learn about their history and is not different in Ghana. Growing up to have met elderly people who witnessed the "white man rule" and hence, witness the genesis for the struggle of our independence, I have being told how our chiefs and people were on their own fighting against colonialism. We have been told how some tribes in Ghana resisted the the white imperialists and so forth. Our undocumented history on individual contribution towards our independence is largely if not completely is attributed to an single individual by name NKRUMAH. Simply put. If you think otherwise, consult any "senior citizen" that you may find around.

Scripted history on the other hand may be referred to as, events between the past and the present that are documented. In this regard and specifically on the subject of discussion, may we take off from the "1947"? Yes! 1947 because it seems the twist hover around 1947 - 1957. It is important to mention at this point that before the 1947, we had the ABORIGINES RIGHT PROTECTION SOCIETY, THE FANTE CONFEDERATION which were all movements handled by educated elites propagating for our independence as a people.

In 1947, the UGCC was formed with the aim of gaining independence for the Ghanaian people according to history captured even in basic elementary history in Ghanaian education. History also made it clear to us who the the pioneers of this "Gentlemen club" were. According to senior citizens. George Paa Grant according to was the founder of the UGCC and he invited the likes of Danquah and the rest to champion for our independence under his (Paa's) benevolence. Nkrumah who had left Ghana in 1935 returned in November 1947 to join the UGCC. It is documented Nkrumah part ways with the UGCC when they had some differences in approach. "Self government now" and "independence within the shortest possible time". At this point, in simple terms, we had two groups fighting for our independence. "Team Nkrumah" was able to mobilize all factions of Ghanaians including our market women, chiefs, merchants, fishermen, farmers and some literates that believed in the self government now approach and hence,indulged the white imperialists in both diplomatic and "violent" means towards our independence. Let me not bother you much on this historical facts that are known to many of us. Let's now make logic and put this good for naught debate to rest.

Our history has not been not skewed in any way in this regard because it has a detail contribution of the various movements including the UGCC. But, because the debate is limited 1947, It is important to mention that our history recognizes the contribution of the individual membership of the UGCC and it is against this backdrop that every member of the UGCC is named after a known landmark in this country. Most especially, in the capital. Danquah circle, Ako Adjei interchange, etc. Isn't this enough to keep them in memory?

The call to celebrate founders day on 4th August, is neither here nor there. Why? Because on the said date, the UGCC was what was "founded" not Ghana.

Ghana was declared independent on 6th March, 1957. This announcement was made by no other person than Nkrumah.

There was no single member of the UGCC was on the podium when our independence was declared. How then should we be celebrating them?

Ghana was founded on 6th March, how then should we be celebrating that on 4th August?

If we should ever celebrate founders day, then it should go beyond the parochial interest of the "anti Nkrumaist". Thus, beyond the Danquah's to cover membership of the Aborigines right protection society, the Fante confederation and in fact all Ghanaians that were alive at that time. Until then, we are celebrating a "FOUNDER's DAY." Simple!

May thy soul rest perfectly well founder (OSAGYEFO DR. KWAME NKRUMAH).