Founders' Day: A time for reflection, unity

On the eve of this year’s Founders' Day, last Saturday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivered a speech that has reignited the debate on who deserves credit for Ghana's independence.

“As I speak to you this evening, I reject completely the notion that Ghana was founded by one man,” the President said in a broadcast that was transmitted to every corner of the nation.

While the discussion is good, we must not lose sight of the true essence of our nation's struggle for freedom. It is true that Ghana's independence was not solely the result of one person's effort, but a collective fight against colonial rule that spanned decades.

From the early resistance to the British colonial rule by the Ashanti and Fante kingdoms, to the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947, our freedom was won through the tireless efforts of many. From the brave men and women who resisted British oppression to the visionary leaders who navigated the country's transition to self-rule, our freedom was won through unity and perseverance.

The likes of Kwame Nkrumah, our nation’s first president, and other pioneers such as Paa Grant and J.B. Danquah played significant roles in our independence story. Nkrumah's visionary leadership and the UGCC's grass-roots mobilisation helped galvanise the nation against colonial rule.

The 1948 Accra riots, the 1950 Positive Action campaign, and the subsequent arrests and imprisonments of nationalist leaders only strengthened the resolve of our people.

We should also acknowledge the unsung heroes – the farmers, traders and ordinary citizens who supported the struggle, often at a great personal cost. The market women, the cocoa farmers, and the students all over the country, among many others, contributed to the momentum that ultimately led to independence on March 6, 1957.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role Nkrumah played in leading the nation to freedom. His unwavering dedication, visionary leadership and unrelenting advocacy for self-rule made him the standard-bearer of Ghana's liberation movement.

On the eve of Independence, March 5, 1957, Nkrumah stood at the Polo Grounds in Accra, surrounded by jubilant crowds, and proclaimed Ghana's freedom with these iconic words:

"At long last, the battle has ended! And thus, Ghana, your beloved country, is free forever! Tonight, we shall embark on a new journey, a journey of nation-building, of economic development, of social justice, and of unity. We shall work tirelessly to build a Ghana that is worthy of our highest aspirations.

We shall strive to create a nation that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all. Let us march forward together, my dear friends, with hope in our hearts and the spirit of freedom guiding us!"

Nkrumah's declaration marked the culmination of years of struggle, and his leadership paved the way for Ghana's emergence as a sovereign nation.

We at the Daily Graphic are of the conviction that as we celebrate Founders' Day, we must also acknowledge the sacrifices made by our forebears. The struggle for independence was not without its challenges and casualties.

Many lives were lost, and families were torn apart. However, their sacrifices were not in vain. Their bravery and resilience paved the way for the Ghana we know today.

As we move forward, it is essential to recognise the collective effort that led to our independence. While Nkrumah played a pivotal role, it was team effort that involved countless individuals and groups.

We must honour their memory by continuing to work towards a united and prosperous Ghana. We must also learn from the past and build on the foundations laid by our founders.

The debate on who deserves credit for Ghana's independence should not divide us. Instead, it should serve as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of leadership.

With the sacrifices of our forebears in mind, let us come together to honour our shared history and work towards a brighter future for all Ghanaians. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to build a Ghana that is worthy of our highest aspirations.

We encourage all to draw inspiration from our shared history, embracing the values of solidarity, selflessness and patriotism that defined our independence struggle. Only then can we truly build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.