Former President Akufo-Addo, Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, and Ɔkyenhene, Ɔsagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, among other New Patriotic Party stalwarts, attended the 60th remembrance service of the late Joseph Boakye Danquah at Kyebi on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
The late Dr. Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah died sadly while in detention without trial at the Nsawam Medium-Security Prison on February 4, 1965.
Addressing the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Ebenezer Congregation at Bronikrom in Kyebi, former President Nana Addo underscored the important role of the late Dr. Joseph Danquah played in Ghana’s struggle for freedom.
According to him, Development in Freedom is the operating principle that was targeted and deliberate in his [Danquah’s] words, harnessing ‘the energies of the people for growth and property owing democracy in this land with right, freedom, and justice as the principles to which government and laws of the land should be dedicated in order, specifically, to enrich the lives, property, and liberty of each and every citizen.’
He further stated that even though Danquah never held an executive office, his influence and impact have been truly exceptional, pioneering universities and shaping all aspects of Ghanaian life.
“Constitutional, legal, judicial, academic, economic, theological, educational, sporting, agricultural, cultural and the nature of Ghana geographical today and the very name this country’s bares. This is a truly astonishing legacy,” he added.
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, in his speech, stated clearly that democracy is not just a gift handed down through history but the result of perpetual struggle.
The Minority Leader, who serves as the Member of Parliament for the Effutu constituency in the Central Region, noted that it is time to denounce hate campaigns and embrace unity to uphold the dignity of Ghana and Africa above all differences.
He emphasized that ‘what unites us is far greater than the desire of those who seek to divide and weaken us.’
Ɔkyenhene, Ɔsagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, adding to the discussion, said J.B. Danquah contributed significantly to Ghana’s growth and development and must be accorded respect rather than being called names.
He stressed the need to establish something significant in Saltpond in the Central Region to recognize Dr. J.B. Danquah and his UGCC team members, as that place played a pivotal role in Ghana’s independence struggle.
Ɔkyenhene explained that Saltpond was the first point of call where J.B. Danquah and his compatriots fought the British to secure independence, and the younger generation must know this history.
“Hence, entreating former President Akufo Addo while he was in office to try and hold one of the Independence Day celebrations at Saltpond to let the world know the root of our sovereignty. But unfortunately, it didn’t materialize because NPP lost the 2024 election and exited power.”
By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.
Source// Obohnewsonline.com.
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