Overthrow of Prez Nkrumah Injures Ghana’s Development Progress-Hon Buah
The overthrown of Ghana’s First President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah on February 24, 1966 has brought detrimental impact on Ghana’s growth and development, the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Ellembele, Hon Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah has said.
According to him, Ghana’s development was on a speed level with Nkrumah as president but the unfortunate event on the February 24, has negatives, impacted the progress of the country 58 years ago.
“As the first President of Ghana, Dr. Nkrumah embarked on an ambitious agenda to transform our country into a modern, industrialized nation. His vision was bold, his determination unyielding, and his impact indelible. One of Dr. Nkrumah’s most enduring legacies was the construction of the Akosombo Dam. This monumental project, completed in 1965, provided Ghana with a reliable source of hydroelectric power and laid the foundation for industrial development. The dam not only facilitated economic growth but also improved the quality of life for countless Ghanaians by expanding access to electricity and modern amenities. He also spearheaded the development of critical infrastructure projects that were instrumental in Ghana’s progress,” he said.
Hon Kofi-Buah made these comments in a statement to commemorate the 58th Anniversary of the overthrown of Dr Kwame Nkruamh on the floor of Parliament on Friday, February 23, 2024.
The Deputy Minority Leader said the first former President of Ghana was a man of vision and incorruptible as his legacy remained indelible on Ghana and Africa as a whole.
He observed that, the issues that were leveled against Dr Nkrumah wrongly with evidence, especially corruption is now creeping in the current leaders and getting worse on daily basis.
“The country’s debt burden increased, its economy faltered, and its reputation as a model of African development was tarnished. The gains that had been made under Dr. Nkrumah’s leadership were squandered, and the hopes of a brighter future for Ghana were dashed. The legacy of Dr. Nkrumah, once revered and celebrated, was tarnished and distorted, as attempts were made to erase his contributions and downplay his achievements even until this day,” the Deputy Minority Leader recounted.
Nevertheless, he urged Ghanaians to stand firm and in unity to rebuild the country as envisaged by the late former President, Dr Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah 58 years ago.
“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 Ghanaians.”
“Let us remember his achievements, his sacrifices, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Ghana. 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,” Hon Kofi Buah added.
Below is the Full Statement delivered on the floor of Parliament?
STATEMENT BY HON. EMMANUEL ARMAH-KOFI BUAH (MP-ELLEMBELE), THE DEPUTY MINORITY LEADER ON THE 58 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OVERTHROW OF OSAGYEFO DR. KWAME NKRUMAH ON 24TH FEBRUARY 1966
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to make this statement on the 58th Anniversary of the overthrow of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah which occurred on the 24th of February, 1966. As we reflect on the events of February 24th , 1966, a pivotal moment in our nation’s chronicle of history, it is important to acknowledge the significant achievements of Dr. Nkrumah during his tenure as president, and to comment on the detrimental impact that his overthrow had on the growth and development of Ghana.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was not just an iconic leader; he was a symbol of hope and progress for the people of Ghana and Africa. Kwame Nkrumah’s influence transcended the shores of Ghana and had a great impact on the African continent. On a day like this, we remember his staunch advocacy for Pan-Africanism. His relentless pursuit of Pan-African unity culminated in the formation of the Organisation of the African Union (today’s AU) His rise to power marked a new era in our nation’s history, one characterized by a fervent commitment to independence, unity, and economic prosperity. As the first President of Ghana, Dr. Nkrumah embarked on an ambitious agenda to transform our country into a modern, industrialized nation. His vision was bold, his determination unyielding, and his impact indelible. One of Dr. Nkrumah’s most enduring legacies was the construction of the Akosombo Dam. This monumental project, completed in 1965, provided Ghana with a reliable source of hydroelectric power and laid the foundation for industrial development. The dam not only facilitated economic growth but also improved the quality of life for countless Ghanaians by expanding access to electricity and modern amenities. He also spearheaded the development of critical infrastructure projects that were instrumental in Ghana’s progress. The Tema Harbour, Tema Motorway, and Volta River Project were all initiatives aimed at enhancing transportation, commerce, and energy production in the country. These projects created jobs, stimulated economic growth, and positioned Ghana as a regional leader in infrastructure development. Dr. Nkrumah’s focus on building a strong foundation for industrialization and economic self-sufficiency was a key driver of Ghana’s prosperity during his presidency. Furthermore, Dr. Nkrumah’s commitment to education and healthcare reform had a profound impact on the lives of Ghanaians. Under his leadership, significant investments 2 | 3 Read on Friday, 24th February, 2024. were made in the educational sector, leading to the construction of schools, the expansion of educational opportunities, and the promotion of literacy. Dr. Nkrumah believed that education was the key to unlocking Ghana’s potential and empowering its people to build a better future. Similarly, his efforts to improve healthcare services, expand access to medical facilities, and promote public health initiatives contributed to a significant improvement in the overall well-being of the population. Dr. Nkrumah understood the importance of economic independence and sought to build a self-sustaining economy that would benefit all Ghanaians. He established the Ghanaian currency, the Ghanaian Industrial Holdings Corporation, and a series of state-owned enterprises aimed at promoting local industry and reducing dependence on foreign imports. The factories and industries that he built, such as the tomato and mango canning plants, the sugar factory, and the textile and leather complexes, were crucial in creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and fostering a sense of national pride.
Today we remember Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s 7-Year Development Plan, a comprehensive strategy to accelerate Ghana’s economic growth and transform the country into a modern, industrialized state. The plan outlined ambitious targets for infrastructure development, agricultural modernization, and industrial expansion, with the goal of positioning Ghana as a leading economy in Africa. Dr. Nkrumah’s vision for a prosperous and self-reliant Ghana was not just a dream; it was a concrete plan backed by sound policies and strategic investments. Despite these remarkable achievements, Dr. Nkrumah’s presidency was not without its challenges. There were accusations of corruption, authoritarianism, and political repression. The economic hardships faced by some segments of the population, coupled with the growing discontent among certain political factions, created a climate of unrest and instability that ultimately led to his overthrow. As its 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? On that fateful day in February 1966, Colonel Kotoka and the National Liberation Council orchestrated a coup that deposed Dr. Nkrumah and sent shockwaves through the nation. 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 3 | 3 Read on Friday, 24th February, 2024. “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. The aftermath of Dr. Nkrumah’s overthrow was nothing short of calamitous. The dismantling of his development plans, the abandonment of his industries, and the erosion of his legacy plunged Ghana into a period of decline and stagnation. The factories that he had built fell into disrepair, the infrastructure projects that he had initiated were left unfinished, and the economic progress that he had envisioned was derailed. In the years following Dr. Nkrumah’s overthrow, Ghana experienced a reversal of fortune that was as swift as it was devastating. The country’s debt burden increased, its economy faltered, and its reputation as a model of African development was tarnished. The gains that had been made under Dr. Nkrumah’s leadership were squandered, and the hopes of a brighter future for Ghana were dashed. The legacy of Dr. Nkrumah, once revered and celebrated, was tarnished and distorted, as attempts were made to erase his contributions and downplay his achievements even until this day. But Mr. Speaker, Osagyefo Never Dies (his ideals live on) and to quote him: “As far as I am concerned, I am in the knowledge that death can never extinguish the torch which I have lit in Ghana and Africa. Long after I am dead and gone, the light will continue to burn and be borne aloft, giving light and guidance to all people.” As I conclude, 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 Ghanaians. Let us remember his achievements, his sacrifices, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Ghana. 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. Long Live Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah! Long Live Ghana! Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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