This year’s journey to Nkroful, dubbed “NKRUMAHFEST 25”, marking the 116th birthday of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the Founder of the Republic of Ghana, drew a massive and diverse crowd.
The celebration brought together a stellar cast of dignitaries from the political sphere, traditional leadership and the creative arts industry.
A vibrant display of Nzema culture and tradition featured prominently during the celebration. The host chief of Nkroful, Nana Kwasi Kutu V, led a grand procession of chiefs, showcasing the rich customs and heritage of the Nkroful people.
Traditional Nzema cuisine was also exhibited and enjoyed by the thousands who converged for the event.
Monuments and Military Honour
A highlight of this year’s festival was the unveiling of a giant statue of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the rehabilitation of the Nkrumah Museum in Nkroful – projects spearheaded by Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, the Member of Parliament for the area and also Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
Adding a symbolic layer of historical pride, the Yagbonwura of Gonja dispatched Gonja warriors, who fired sporadic musketry, thrilling the crowd and bringing historical pageantry to life.
A Powerful Tribute by Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah
In a passionate keynote address, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah paid glowing tribute to the legacy of Dr. Nkrumah, declaring: “Nkrumah’s projects were not for the next election, but for the next century.”
He continued: “We are not here merely to celebrate a birthday, but to commune with a vision – a vision that defied the confines of a single lifetime.
Today, on what would have been his 116th birthday, we honour the enduring, undeniable, immortal impact of the African of the Millennium, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.”
In his speech, the Minister reflected on the far-reaching legacy of Dr. Nkrumah from the Akosombo Dam, Tema Motorway, Adomi Bridge and Tema Oil Refinery, to educational institutions like KNUST and University of Cape Coast, all of which he described as “building blocks of a modern, self-sufficient nation.
“These were not mere projects,” he said. “They were visionary investments for future generations,” he added.
Nkrumah’s Pan-African Legacy
Mr. Armah Kofi Buah reminded the audience of Nkrumah’s continental vision: “He knew Ghana’s independence was meaningless unless it was tied to Africa’s total liberation.
“That is why monuments in his honour stand across the continent and why streets bear his name in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Lusaka and Dar es Salaam.”
He praised the efforts of President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government for supporting the institutionalisation of “The Journey to Nkroful”, as part of Ghana’s official tourism calendar, adding: “We are grateful for the collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, which has helped enrich this year’s celebration.”
A Personal Connection and a Call to Action
Mr Armah Kofi Buah also spoke of his personal connection to Dr Kwame Nkrumah, recounting how his grand-uncle, G.W. Anaman, a businessman and CPP financier, worked closely with the late leader.
Through his family’s stories, he said, he learned firsthand about the selflessness and patriotism that defined Nkrumah’s leadership.
Ending on a stirring note, Armah Kofi Buah called on the youth and all Ghanaians to embrace Nkrumah’s values: “The journey to Nkroful is not merely physical. It is a mental and spiritual return to the ideals of self-determination, Pan-Africanism, and nation-building.”
He urged all to join the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) which he referred to as “environmental terrorism” and to become stewards of Ghana’s natural heritage.
“Nkrumah would have wanted us to defend our environment with courage and integrity. Let us be the generation that built the industries he envisioned, the scientists who innovated for Africa, the teachers who educated with a Pan-African conscience, and the leaders who served selflessly.”
Closing Words
He ended his address with a resounding call: “Let us walk in the light of the Osagyefo. Let us give oxygen to his dreams. Let us carry forward the unquenchable fire of freedom, unity, and progress. Long live the Spirit of Kwame Nkrumah! Long live Ghana! Long live Africa!
Forward Ever, Backward Never!”
Distinguished Guests Grace the Occasion
The festival, themed “Celebrating Nkrumah’s Enduring Impact”, was hailed as one of the most well-attended and organised in recent memory.
Among the distinguished guests were; Nana Kobina Nketia V, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Tetretteh Okuamoah Sekyim, Omanhene of Wassa, Samia Nkrumah, daughter of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, former National Security Minister.
Others were Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister, Dorcas Afo-Toffey, MP for Jomoro and Deputy Minister of Transport,
Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MP for Essikado and Deputy Minister for Health and Dzifa Abla Gomashie, Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts.
Prof. Samuel Akainyah, Professor Emeritus at Kennedy-King College in Chicago, Lawyer Yaw Anokyi Frempong, both delivered speeches at the occasion.
