The Akyem Abuakwa Presbytery has paid a glowing tribute to the late Dr. Joseph Boakye (J.B.) Danquah for his contribution towards the propagation of the gospel and development of mankind.
At a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the demise of Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, the Chairman of the Akyem Abuakwa Presbytery Rev. Professor, Seth Asare Danso acknowledged the dedication and service to humanity and propagation of the gospel in Akyem Abuakwa by Dr. J.B. Danquah.
Professor Seth Asare Danso mentioned that Dr. J.B. Danquah’s contribution to the consolidation of Okyeman, Akan cultural heritage, the independence struggle of our country, the defence of democracy and the struggle against authoritarianism and arbitrariness, which has a unique place in the history of Ghana.
J.B. DANQUAH:
The whole nation stood in grief and shock in the morning of February 4,1965 when the news of the untimely demise of J.B. Danquah at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons broke.
He had been detained on the orders of the Kwame Nkrumah led Convention Peoples Party (CPP) under untold circumstances.
Dr. J.B. Danquah considered himself a lifelong worthy servant of the chieftaincy institution and often described Nanamon as natural and anointed rulers.
He was with Nananom at the Conference of Paramount Chiefs of the Eastern Province of the Gold Coast from 1916 to 1921, at the early age of twenty one years, serving as State Secretary of Akyem Abuakwa, where the foundation were laid for the establishment of the joint Provincial Council, which led to the formulation of the Native Administration Ordinance of 1927.
He was part of several delegations with Nananom to the Colonial Office in England. Notable was the 1934 delegation which successfully persuaded the Colonial Administration to enlarge the Legislative Council and for persons other than Chiefs to be made members.
The impact J.B. Danquah made to the understanding and preservation of Akan culture, heritage and tradition can be seen in his cogitative rendition of a theoretic and scientific treatise of the customary institutions of the Akan people in celebrated work, “AKAN LAWS AND CUSTOMS – AND THE AKYEM ABUAKWA CONSTITUTION”, published in London in 1928.
The Okyenman, in recognition and appreciation of the sacrifices of Dr. J.B. Danquah, created the Twafo stool and enstooled him as Okyenman Twafohene.
On his party, the Okyeman Twafohene Okatakyie Ababio Boakye Danquah promised to elevate the legacy of his successor, Dr. J.B. Danquah to ensure that his legacy lives on.
He said, J.B. Danquah had secured himself in history as the iconic chronicler and codifier of not only Akyem Abuakwa but also Akan custom, tradition and history.
Okatakyie Boakye Danquah underscores the need to look to a brighter future guided by a vision of hope, tolerance and reverence for the opinions, lives and dignity of all persons, irrespective of their political views.
He described J.B. Danquah as the epitome and embodiment of the respect of human dignity, the culture and traditions of all peoples and the love for freedom of all men.
District Pastor of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church at Kyebi, Rev Atiemo Aye, indicated that the Presbyterian Church will continue to honour the memories of Dr. J.B. Danquah.
Some notable chiefs who graced the ceremony included the Chief of Adedientem Barima Ofori Asante, Kyebi Kyedomhene Barima Bosompem, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori Amantoamiensahene, the Akyem Abuakwa State Secretary D.M. Ofori-Atta, Manwerehene of Adedientem Barfour Boamah Darko, children and grandchildren of J.B. Danquah and family members among others.
