Veep lauds decision to place Nkrumah's effigy on new cedi note

Accra, April 27, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday noted that government's decision to put Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's effigy on the yet-to be circulated two- Ghana Cedi note was not meant to slight other members of the big six.

"Much as we agree that others were instrumental, it often takes an individual to take a collective decision to the climax of affairs and we believe that it was Nkrumah who actually articulated the views of the big six to fruition."

The Vice President was reacting to criticisms about the move by government, at the 38th Anniversary celebration of the death of the first President of Ghana, at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra. The anniversary was in remembrance of the achievements of the country's first President and to reflect on the legacy he left behind. Vice President Mahama expressed regret that some of the useful and workable policies Dr. Nkrumah embarked upon were abandoned soon after his overthrow, adding: "He was however vindicated even after his death when politicians from other developing countries trooped into the country to study those policies for their countries."

He described Nkrumah as a visionary leader who stood for African unity and said the anniversary was a moment to reflect on his accomplishments to serve as a challenge to others to adopt the attitude of loyalty to national service. Mr. Mahama noted that the virtues portrayed by Dr. Nkrumah had inspired many leaders to make life meaningful for their people. He said the centenary celebration of the birth of Dr. Nkrumah, which started last year, was among other objectives aimed at remembering those who went to exile with him after his overthrow in 1966.

The Vice President paid tribute to all political leaders who had anchored the country to its current state of affairs. Madam, Esi Sutherland- Addy, a member of the Kwame Nkrumah Centenary Celebration, said the anniversary was a moment to reflect and draw lessons from Nkrumah's life, to move forward and to build upon what he left behind. She said a leader should take inspiration from what other leaders had achieved and suggested the need for people in authority to seize the opportunity to work towards the development of the nation by living up to the legacy Nkrumah left behind. The Vice President later laid wreaths on the tombs of the former president and his wife Fathia, on behalf of the government of Ghana.