The Deputy Minority Leader in the Parliament, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged African Leaders to be inspired by the vision and achievements of the iconic Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, by fast-tracking the formulation and implementation of pragmatic policies and programs aimed at fostering unity among the Africans.
Nkrumah’s achievements, he noted, must be critically re-examined, emphasizing the sustainability of his integration agenda for a united and prosperous Africa.
Delivering a statement on the floor of the Parliament of Ghana on Friday, February 23, 2024 to commemorate the 58th Anniversary of the overthrown of the country’s first President, which fell on Saturday, February 24, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who is also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle, said working together to build a brighter future for the African continent guided by the ideals and principles of Dr. Nkrumah, would be a great honor to the Pan-Africanist.
“Mr Speaker, let us remember Osagyefo’s vision for a united and prosperous Africa. We must be inspired to strive for a future where the continent stands united and formidable, forging its own future and fulfilling its immense potential. The African Continental Free Trade comes to mind. Let us learn from the mistakes of the past and strive to build a more just and equitable society for all.
“Let us remember his achievements, his sacrifices, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Ghana and the African continent. Let us honor his memory by working together to build a brighter future for our nation, guided by the principles of unity, progress, and social justice that he so passionately championed”, he noted.
On February 24, 1966, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, an iconic Pan-African advocate while on a peacemaking trip in Hanoi, Vietnam, regarding the Vietnam war, was overthrown by the National Liberation Council in a coup d’état known as “Operation Cold Chop”.
His overthrow was premised on allegations of economic hardship, corruption, authoritarianism, and political repression under his leadership. However, those allegations were rejected, with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah describing them as “stupid lies” and criticised his accusers as being ignorant.
Armah-Kofi Buah, a strong believer in the ideals and vision of the former Ghanaian Leader said history has proven that all the charges brought against Dr Kwame Nkrumah were false, stressing that his overthrow was well orchestrated as evidenced by declassified documents by the CIA of the United States of America.
“Mr Speaker, as it’s often said, history is always the best judge. Can anybody in Ghana today, looking back to his unforgettable achievements accept that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was corrupt? The announcement of his dismissal from office and the dissolution of Parliament marked the end of an era and the beginning of a tumultuous period in Ghana’s history. The coup makers cited “dictatorship and economic hardship” as justification for their actions.
Mr Speaker, we now know from declassified CIA documents that the coup was well orchestrated beyond the borders of Ghana. The true motive behind the coup was to “break the myth” surrounding Dr. Nkrumah, a leader who had dared to dream unconventionally to challenge the status quo and shift the paradigms of our society”, he explained.
According to him, the aftermath of Dr. Nkrumah’s overthrow has been nothing short of “calamitous”, insisting that it is only through the implementation of the ideals and vision of the former Ghanaian Leader that Africa would be liberated from the shackles of economic bondage.
He said Dr. Nkrumah’s seven-year Development Plan, which saw the construction of the Akosombo Dam, the Tema Motorway, Tema Harbour, Volta River Project, Ghana Industrial Holdings Company (GIHOC), tomato and mango canning plants and sugar factory among a host of other state-owned factories.
Also, his commitment to the progress of the educational sector was testament to his vision in stimulating economic growth and fostering a sense of national pride.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah urged leaders on the continent to be inspired by his (Nkrumah’s) achievements and work to ensure the integration of all.
By Stephen Odoi-Larbi
