Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has called for an end to derogatory remarks and name-calling against the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, emphasizing his pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s democratic foundation.
Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Remembrance Service held at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Kyebi, Akufo-Addo highlighted JB Danquah’s relentless advocacy for the rule of law, which he described as the bedrock of Ghana’s political freedom.
He stressed that Ghana must uphold these democratic principles and never turn its back on the legacy of one of its founding figures.
“The persistent call for the rule of law to be entrenched in our body politic is the ultimate guarantee of liberty and individual freedom. Today, it stands as a central feature of Ghanaian politics, which we must never renounce. Despite JB Danquah’s immense contributions to Ghana’s development, his name continues to be embroiled in needless controversy, both in death as in life,” he stated.
As part of the ceremony, the former president launched a Compendium of 60 Commemorative Statements in honor of JB Danquah, further cementing his contributions to Ghana’s history.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the minority caucus in Parliament, Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned recent actions, including an invasion of the residence of a former finance minister and alleged derogatory comments made against JB Danquah in Parliament. He urged Ghanaians to rise above political divisions, reject hate speech, and prioritize national unity and dignity.
“Since the 1940s, no group of people has suffered a smear campaign as enduring as that against Daddy Danquah and his people. These are individuals who have contributed immensely to public service and the betterment of our nation, yet they have been maligned beyond measure for their pure and patriotic sacrifices. Let us leave here today with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that democracy is not a gift handed down through history but a perpetual struggle one we must embrace with courage and resolve. Let us denounce hate campaigns, regardless of their targets, and put the love and dignity of Ghana and Africa above all differences. What unites us is far greater than the forces seeking to divide and weaken us,” he said.
The Overlord of Akyem Abuakwa, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, also weighed in, cautioning against malice, misinformation, and deliberate misrepresentation of history.
He called on leaders and citizens alike to honor JB Danquah’s legacy by building a monument in his name, ensuring that his contributions to Ghana’s development are never forgotten.
The ceremony brought together dignitaries, politicians, and traditional leaders, all paying tribute to JB Danquah’s enduring impact on Ghana’s political landscape.
