Late Ghanaian Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia, who served from 1969 to 1972, actively opposed Ghana’s independence in 1957. Busia petitioned the British government, arguing that Ghana was not ready for self-rule and still needed British oversight.
Kwame Nkrumah, in his book “Dark Days in Ghana,” detailed these resistance efforts. Nkrumah faced significant opposition in his quest for independence, with Busia being a notable adversary. Alongside J.B. Danquah, Busia’s actions aimed to delay or prevent Ghana’s independence.
“When the new Assembly opened, the opposition benches were empty except for two members from Togoland,” Nkrumah wrote. “Busia and his friends excused themselves, saying they arrived late and couldn’t get through the crowds.”
The British Governor announced a bill declaring the Gold Coast a sovereign state. The opposition tabled an amendment calling the proposal premature, which was defeated by a majority of 37. Following this, the opposition issued a statement to the press, vowing to absent themselves from the Assembly when the Independence Motion came before the House.
“Busia, showing where his real support lay, announced that the struggle centered not in the Gold Coast but in London,” Nkrumah noted. “He led the opposition delegation to the British government, appealing not to grant independence.”
Busia’s actions were criticized as unpatriotic and undignified. Nkrumah highlighted how the opposition aligned with those wanting to delay the country’s progress. “Busia, who led the opposition delegation to London, actually appealed to the British government not to grant independence,” Nkrumah wrote. “He said the country was not ready for it: ‘We still need you (the British) in the Gold Coast.'”
Nkrumah’s recollections paint a picture of a divided political landscape. The conditions for independence, as laid down by the Secretary of State, required a reasonable majority in the newly elected Legislature. These conditions were met, and independence was eventually set for March 6, 1957.
Busia’s resistance contrasted sharply with Nkrumah’s determination. The efforts to retain British control reveal the complexities of Ghana’s path to independence. The opposition’s actions, viewed by many as attempts to hinder progress, underscore the internal and external challenges faced.
Busia’s opposition to Ghana’s independence, highlighted by his petition to the British government, marks a significant chapter in the country’s history. Despite these efforts, Ghana achieved independence on March 6, 1957, marking the end of colonial rule and the beginning of self-governance.
Source: Ghana Web
