The debate over who should be recognized as the true founders of Ghana took a surprising turn when Kwesi Pratt Jnr, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, shared some unexpected historical facts. Speaking on Pan African TV, Pratt challenged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s stance on recognizing certain figures, including Emmanuel Obetsebi Lamptey, as founders of the nation.
Pratt revealed that Obetsebi Lamptey, one of the individuals President Akufo-Addo wants to be celebrated as a founder of Ghana, was once convicted of terrorism by none other than the president’s own father, Edward Akufo-Addo. According to Pratt, Edward Akufo-Addo, who served as a judge, was part of a three-member panel that found Obetsebi Lamptey guilty of treason. Along with two other judges, Justice Van Lare and Justice Aku Korsah, Edward Akufo-Addo sentenced Lamptey to prison.
“The father of the current president, along with two other judges, convicted Obetsebi Lamptey of being a terrorist and sentenced him to jail,” Pratt explained. He went on to question the decision to now celebrate Lamptey as a founder of Ghana, calling it an “insult” considering the past conviction. Pratt pointed out that the court’s judgment can still be found in a document titled ‘Terrorism Under Nkrumah’.
This revelation comes amidst a larger debate stirred by President Akufo-Addo during his speech on Founders’ Day, August 4, 2024. The president argued that it is incorrect to credit Ghana’s founding solely to Kwame Nkrumah, even though Nkrumah played a significant role in the country’s push for independence. Akufo-Addo stressed that the journey to Ghana’s freedom was a collective effort involving many people over several generations.
“I completely reject the idea that Ghana was founded by one man,” President Akufo-Addo stated in his address. While he acknowledged Nkrumah’s leadership and contributions, he also highlighted the efforts of other groups and individuals, such as the Aborigines Rights Protection Society and the United Gold Coast Convention, who were instrumental in the fight for independence.
He further noted that, despite some controversial events that occurred under Nkrumah’s leadership after independence, Parliament decided in 2019 to honor Nkrumah’s birthday, September 21, as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day. However, the same year, Parliament also established August 4 as Founders’ Day to recognize the broader group of people who contributed to Ghana’s independence.
Kwesi Pratt’s revelation has added fuel to the ongoing debate about how Ghana’s history should be remembered and who deserves the title of “founder.” As discussions continue, this historical twist is likely to spark further conversations about the complexities of the nation’s past and how it shapes present-day Ghana.
Source: Ghana Web
