The quiet community of Nkroful in the Western Region came alive with colour, tradition and emotion as Omanhenes, chiefs and sub-chiefs arrived in ceremonial procession, accompanied by spontaneous musketry, to join hundreds of celebrants in marking the 117th birthday of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The annual ‘Nkrumahfest’, held under the theme “Nkrumah @ 117: Celebrating His Enduring Legacy – Africa Must Unite or Perish,” brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, members of the Nkrumah family and visitors from Ghana and beyond.
The celebration also provided a platform for the Nzema people to showcase aspects of their traditional heritage, including local cuisine and customs, adding a strong cultural dimension to the commemoration.
For the people of Nkroful, however, the occasion carried a deeper significance — the return of thousands of Ghanaians and visitors to the very soil that gave birth to a man whose political vision extended beyond Ghana to the African continent.
At the centre of the homecoming was the Chief Convener of the “Journey to Nkroful” festival, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Member of Parliament for Ellembelle and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
Mr Buah described the occasion as “a homecoming like no other,” saying the gathering was not simply about remembering Nkrumah, but keeping alive the ideals for which he lived.
“We are home,” he declared, telling the gathering that the purpose of the annual journey was to remember Nkrumah with pride, reflect on whether Ghana and Africa were becoming what he envisioned, recommit to self-determination and Pan-Africanism, and inspire a new generation.
He said Nkrumah’s legacy could still be seen in institutions and infrastructure established during his era, arguing that his developmental vision was intended not merely for the next election but “for the next generation, and for the next centuries.”
Mr Buah also used the occasion to renew his call for the protection of Ghana’s natural resources, particularly rivers and forests, against illegal mining and environmental degradation. He said honouring Nkrumah required the current generation to protect the country’s natural inheritance for generations yet unborn.
Nkroful seeks district hospital
For the Chief of Nkroful, Nana Kwasi Kutuah V, the celebration was also an opportunity to highlight a key development need of the community. He appealed for government support towards the long-discussed District Hospital project, saying the people of Nkroful and surrounding communities had repeatedly advocated for the facility.
Nana Kutuah expressed hope that government would soon come to the area to officially commence the project, describing it as an important development priority for the community.
He also called attention to broader development needs within the traditional area and expressed confidence that government would support the communities.
The chief welcomed the dignitaries and visitors to Nkroful and prayed for continued peace and progress for the community.
Statue adds to Nkrumah commemoration
The festival was preceded by the unveiling of a statue of Nkrumah at Krisan by Mr Buah and keynote speaker Professor P.L.O. Lumumba. The statue added another physical symbol to the commemoration of Nkrumah in the area and reinforced the festival’s emphasis on preserving his memory for younger generations.
The event also saw three personalities honoured with citations for their contributions to the celebration and the preservation of Nkrumah’s legacy.
For the Nkrumah family, represented by his daughter Samia Yaaba Nkrumah and grandchildren, the gathering offered an emotional reconnection with the homeland of their father and grandfather.
As the chiefs, families, political leaders, visitors and residents gathered at Nkroful, the community became more than the birthplace of Ghana’s first President.
It became a meeting point of history, culture and a continuing conversation about the future of Ghana and Africa
For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z
