Francis Kwarteng thanks for this your exceptional efforts to open the real events that took place sometime ago in our country between a patriot being Dr Nkrumah and unparriotic terrorist JB Danquah.
It's very important to ... read full comment
Francis Kwarteng thanks for this your exceptional efforts to open the real events that took place sometime ago in our country between a patriot being Dr Nkrumah and unparriotic terrorist JB Danquah.
It's very important to bring out the facts because, the descendants of the terrorist group want to obliterate the truth!
Thank for setting the records straight!!!
francis kwarteng 9 years ago
Dear Brother Ghana,
You are welcome.
Please continue to read and to provide us with constructive criticisms. We appreciate them.
Thanks.
Dear Brother Ghana,
You are welcome.
Please continue to read and to provide us with constructive criticisms. We appreciate them.
Thanks.
Mahmoud 9 years ago
ALL FBI INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED
DATE 04-21-2006 BY 60309 AUC
TAM/DCG/EHL
SUPPLEMENT
KWANE Nkrumah
President of Ghana
This is the 28th of a, series of analyses of key government leaders around t ... read full comment
ALL FBI INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED
DATE 04-21-2006 BY 60309 AUC
TAM/DCG/EHL
SUPPLEMENT
KWANE Nkrumah
President of Ghana
This is the 28th of a, series of analyses of key government leaders around the world whose demise or ouster could have far-reaching implications for US military plans and policies.
Ghana's President Kwame Nkrumah is the undisputed ruler of that country; which he in effect created and which he has pushed to a position on the world scene far out of proportion to its size, population, or strategic importance. No real challenge to his leadership is now apparent and he seems likely to continue in office indefinitely. Nevertheless, his dictatorial rule, his suppression of political opposition, his disastrous financial policies, and his pro-Communist sympathies and policies have inevitably led to dissatisfaction among various elements in Ghana and could eventually force a change.
The military might instigate his overthrow, although this is not now considered likely unless popular discontent deriving from economic unrest should result in widespread instability. Should Nkrumah die or be assassinated, a power struggle is likely, and chaos Could ensue. At that time, the armed forces, heretofore largely aloof from political activity, would probably determine the outcome by imposing direct military rule or by assuring that Nkrumah was followed by a man of more conservative policies. Such a successor government would probably be more truly nonaligned than the present regime.
Early Years and Rise to power
Nkrumah was born in the primitive coastal village of Nkroful in what was then the Gold Coast, a British Colony. His father was a goldsmith, and his mother one of• several wives - a petty trader. Originally named Francis Nwia Kofi Nkrumah, he later took the name Kwame, which in his Nzima tribal dialect means "Saturday's child" since he knows only the day of the week on which he was born. He has accepted the estimated birthdate, 21 Sep 09, given 'him by the. Roman Catholic priest who baptized him, but he may have been born in 1906.
Nkrumah spent eight years in elementary school and became a student teacher at Half Assini for a year. He then enrolled in Achimota College, Ghana's leading secondary school, and after graduating in1930 taught for several years in local elementary mission schools and then at a Roman Catholic seminary. During this period, he seriously considered becoming a Jesuit priest.
In 1935, aided financially by his uncle, Nkrumah came to the US to •study at Lincoln University, a Negro institution in Pennsylvania. After four years of unexceptional academic work, he earned a BA degree. In the next five years, he received a BD from the Lincoln Theological Seminary, and an MA and an MS from the University of Pennsylvania. During his ten years in the US, Nkrumah suffered great financial hardship and held a variety of menial jobs. Although never a top student, he was active in African student organizations and read widely in political theory and philosophy.
Nkrumah went to England in 1945 and enrolled at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He undertook the study of law but failed the course, probably as a result of his many outside activities in student organizations. He helped set up the fifth Pan-African Congress, held in Manchester in 1945, which endorsed a program of revolutionary rather than evolutionary African nationalism. During his stay in the UK, he was sought out by leftists and Communists and learned much from them about organization and agitation•: He has, however, vigorously denied ever having been a member of •the Communist Party, although he attended meetings in London.
At the invitation of Dr. J. B. Danquah, Nkrumah returned to the Gold Coast in November 1947 to serve as general secretary of the newly formed Nationalist Party, the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC). His fiery oratory, charm, and organizational ability quickly established for him a large personal following. A trade boycott and demonstrations in 1948 resulted in riots, and Nkrumah was arrested along with other UGCC leaders who blamed him for their detention. When he was released, he was demoted from his position as secretary general of the party but continued to organize mass support and,' when the UGCC refused to reinstate him as secretary general, Nkrumah and his followers broke away and founded the Convention People's
Party (CPP) on 12 Jun 49.
The more radical CPP quickly eclipsed the UGCC and embarked on a program of "Positive Action" strikes, boycotts and noncooperation -- which in 1950 led to Nkrumah's conviction on three counts of sedition, for which he was sentenced to three years in jail. Imprisonment increased his popularity, however, and the general elections of 1951 brought the CPP to power. He was elected to Parliament and, on 12 Feb 51, was freed to become Leader of Government Business.
Once in a position of political power, Nkrumah realized the necessity for convincing the British that an independent Gold Coast would be viable and moderate. With this in mind, he made an about-face under the slogan of "Tactical Action" and began a campaign of close cooperation with the: authorities expelled Communists from the ranks of, the CPP and forced the Trades Union Congress to affiliate with the Western oriented International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. By March 1952, he had so impressed the British as a responsible and moderate leader that he was given the formal title of Prime Minister.
For the next several years, Nkrumah generally continued to exhibit a moderate pro-western posture, while at the same time building the CPP into a national mass party by the use of repressive tactics against the opposition and by gaining control of labor and farmers' organizations. By 6 Mar 57, when the UK granted independence to Ghana, the CPP was in unquestioned control of the government and Nkrumah in unquestioned control of the CPP. On 1 Jul 60, Nkrumah became the first president of Ghana, which became a republic but retained membership in the British Commonwealth. He began a second five-year term on 11 Jun 65when he was proclaimed President by Parliament after it had been decided to dispense with the formalities of the electoral process since no opposition candidates to the CPP's nominees had filed for election.
Nkrumah the Man
Nkrumah is an extremely complex man whose most marked characteristic is his egocentricity. His usually friendly, easy-going manner belies the resolute determination with which he has accomplished so much. His charm, personal magnetism, and sense of humor have favorably impressed most observers, but he has a tendency to be less than frank and to tell his listeners what he thinks they want to hear; the resulting inconsistencies between what Nkrumah says and does have over the years considerably lessened his impact on those he wishes to impress. He is an effective public speaker, a quick thinker, and adroit at parrying questions.
Nkrumah is enormously energetic and resilient but suffers from periods of depression during which he is apt to become distracted and to indulge in. fits of crying. He is increasingly concerned about his health and almost obsessively fearful for his safety, particularly since the assassination attempts of the past few years. His rather vague Christianity does not preclude his superstitious use of fetishes and oracles. He is bored by economics and frequently refuses to accept unpleasant facts, traits which in part explain his seeming lack of serious concern about the state of Ghana's economy.
Nkrumah is of medium height, has a comb of frizzy hair on his balding head, and has big Soul-eyes and a manner that has been described as messianic. He normally wears western clothes, but frequently dons the toga-like native dress for ceremonial occasions. Until December 1957, Nkrumah flatly asserted that he intended to remain a bachelor; thus, his marriage at the end of that month to a 26-year old Coptic Christian
Egyptian woman whom he had never met, and who spoke no English, came as a stunning surprise. Mrs. Nkrumah does not play a prominent social role, and their marriage has apparently not been a great success. The couple has three children, however, and Nkrumah also recognizes an illegitimate son, Francis Nkrumah, a doctor born about 1935 who is reportedly opposed to his father's regime.
Pro-Communist Policies
Nkrumah began in 1960 to display openly his pro Communist, Anti-Western beliefs. Under his influence and with his encouragement, Ghana negotiated a number of economic agreements with Communist nations, waged increasingly strident campaigns against "capitalism, imperialism, and neocolonialism," and generally championed positions and policies in world affairs which support and further Communist aims. Moderates within the government were eliminated or lost their influence, while radicals and leftists assumed positions of importance and leadership and became increasingly influential in guiding Ghana further to the left.
Despite all of this, however, Ghana today is not as far into the Communist camp as would seem probable. That Nkrumah and his like-minded followers have not succeeded in more closely identifying Ghana with the Communist world is due to a number of factors -- the Western culture and tradition ingrained over the years of British rule; the fact that Ghana's economy is still closely tied to Western markets; the fact that the governing party is far from being a monolithic organization and has never fully exercised the powers it theoretically possesses; the opposition of the armed forces to closer military ties with the Communists; and the fact that the Communist nations have been increasing reluctant to shore up the deteriorating economy, thus forcing Nkrumah not to alienate completely possible Sources of Western assistance.
Attitude Toward the US
Ghana, at Nkrumah's direction or at least with his approbation, carries on a continuing .propaganda campaign against the leading Western nations, but the US has been by far the favorite target of leftist venom. The US is regularly attacked by the press and radio as the leading imperialist power, for its alleged subversive activities in Africa, and for its policies throughout the world. Nkrumah's latest book, Neo-Colonialism: The Last stage of Imperialism contained such scathing charges against the US as to provoke an official protest from Washington. Despite Nkrumah's apparently sincere conviction that the US is bent on bringing about his downfall, however, his personal relations with many US Embassy and other official personnel have often been marked by apparently warm friendliness and, despite public charges that the Peace Corps is engaged in subversion in Ghana, Nkrumah has shown no desire to dispense with its services.
"Aspirations for African and World Leadership
Nkrumah, who is driven by ambition to be far more than Ghana's leader, aspires to be recognized not only as the predominant African political personality but as a man to be reckoned with on the international stage. His dreams of grandeur have led to a number of attempts to make Ghana the focal point of wider African political entities -- the abortive Ghana Guinea-Mali union, the defunct Joint African High Command, and his current project of a united Africa -- all of which have foundered in the face of reality and because of the refusal of other African leaders to accord Nkrumah the position of predominance implicit in all of his schemes. Instead, Ghana has become increasingly isolated, and Nkrumah has •earned the distrust of most African leaders and has even alienated his erstwhile radical cronies in Guinea, Mali, and the UAR.
On the international scene, Nkrumah's conception of himself as a world leader has led him to make contacts with other leaders whose real or fancied friendship he values highly. His self-created role has also resulted in frequent offers of gratuitous advice in resolving non-African problems, the details and complexities of which he is largely ignorant. He has thus attempted to insert himself in the Cuban missile crisis, the Sino-Indian border conflict, the Arab-Israeli dispute, the nuclear-disarmament question, and the Vietnamese situation. Nothing has come of any of these efforts.
Although he has succeeded in projecting himself into the African and international scene to a greater extent than most African leaders, Nkrumah is considered by most world leaders to be more of a nuisance and a figure of ridicule than a statesman. These rebuffs, and Nkrumah's consequent sense of extreme frustration, are in part responsible for his policy of encouraging and abetting subversion in Africa, activity which he also rationalizes on the grounds that many African nations -- including all of his close neighbors-- do not support the radical policies which he advocates and are followed by his government."
Nkrumah's Position in Ghana
Although he has suffered reverses abroad, Nkrumah still reigns supreme in Ghana; he is the personification and living symbol of his nation and its people. he has achieved this position in part through his genuinely charismatic quality and the manner in which his considerable vanity has exploited every means of keeping his name before the public. His official title is "Osagyefo" (The Redeemer), and there are overtones of deification in the ad61ation which he sanctions and probably encourages. Nkrumah's name and likeness are everywhere in Ghana -- on its currency, postage stamps,' street names, statues, and schools, and in "Nkrumahism," the murky and confused embodiment of his Marxist Leninist-African socialist-religious philosophies.
Despite Nkrumah's encouragement of the cult of personality and his genuine popularity with many of his people, his position has been frequently challenged and he has been the object of several assassination attempts. Overt political opposition has been suppressed over the years since Nkrumah came to power, however, and there is at present no known organized group within the country which is soon likely to have the capability to overthrow him. There is some resentment of Nkrumah's pro-Communist policies within the military and several coup plots have been under consideration in the past two years, but the armed forces have so far been unwilling to take a step which is not in character with their apolitical position. Popular dissatisfaction is on the rise, however, due to the growing impact of Ghana's disastrous financial policies, and the greatest potential threat to Nkrumah's continued rule lies in the country's deteriorating economy.
Nkrumah is well aware, despite his egocentric nature and the fact• that he is surrounded by sycophants, that he is not universally loved. As a result of a number of assassination attempts -- at least two of which were almost successful -- he has an obsessive fear for his personal safety and has surrounded himself with a number of safeguards, including the President's Own Guard Regiment (POGR). The POGR, although nominally part of the army, is directly responsible to Nkrumah, and its commander and personnel of its battalion (now being expanded to two) have been chosen for their loyalty to him. The PQGR is equipped in part with Soviet materiel -- the only army unit to be so provided -- and several Soviet security officers are on hand. Because of his own anti-Western, ant capitalist beliefs, Nkrumah tends to attribute any and all opposition to the intrigues of imperialists and neocolonialists, and he is apparently convinced that the US is actively attempting to bring about his downfall.
He is also extremely distrustful of the security forces and suspects -- with some reason -- that certain of their leaders have contemplated removing him. To forestall such attempts, the police were disarmed following the January 1964 assassination attempt, and in mid-1965 Nkrumah abruptly dismissed the two top army officers, replacing them with men in whom he has more confidence -- although it remains to be 'seen how long they will retain their positions in view of Nkrumah's highly suspicious nature. In September 1965, he was presented with the Supreme Commander's Baton of Office, a gesture intended to emphasize that he is the operational commander of the i.armed forces. His latest move to curtail the power of the military was the creation in December of a "people's militia," supposedly formed to prepare for armed action against Rhodesia but apparently intended to provide a counterforce to the army.
Whether this new organization will ever be one, however, seems highly questionable.
When Nkrumah Goes
Like many other rulers who have concentrated political power in their persons, Nkrumah has made no provision for a successor. Should he leave the scene, a scramble for control would be likely to ensue among the several factions of the government party, and a period of instability would be probable. In such an event, the military might play an important – and perhaps decisive -- role. If a strong successor of moderate leaning were to emerge, the military would probably follow and support him. If, however, a leftist were to succeed, or should dissension and chaos result as political figures vie for control, the army would probably set up an interim government pending the selection or emergence of a president it would be willing to accept.
Thus, it seems likely that a successor government would probably be more moderate and adopt more truly neutralist policies than those followed by Nkrumah. It would probably still feel the compulsion to be no less nationalistic than the present government, however, and probably be less stable since any successor would lack Nkrumah's popularity and his identification not only with the people but with Ghana itself. Further, the existence within the governmental hierarchy of moderate and leftist factions would probably continue to engender conflict as contending groups struggled for control. (
Kwadwo 9 years ago
Francis, do you have anything to say on Washington's intelligence assessment on your messiah? It is on the money don't you think?
Francis, do you have anything to say on Washington's intelligence assessment on your messiah? It is on the money don't you think?
ADJOA WANGARA 9 years ago
It's all about copy and paste nonsense from the brain amputated francis kwarteng. He can never write anything reasonable and meaningful on his own unless copying from the internet and pasting. Fool!!!
It's all about copy and paste nonsense from the brain amputated francis kwarteng. He can never write anything reasonable and meaningful on his own unless copying from the internet and pasting. Fool!!!
truth 9 years ago
shame on the writer
shame on the writer
Dr. SAS, Attorney at Law 9 years ago
The writer, Prof. Kwarteng cogently states:
"In effect, the PDA represented the best thing that ever happened to Ghana and Africa."
Need I say more?
The writer, Prof. Kwarteng cogently states:
"In effect, the PDA represented the best thing that ever happened to Ghana and Africa."
Need I say more?
Captain canada 9 years ago
PDA and you seem to enjoy it. To your pigeon brain it's the best thing since Apple pie. Where is your voluminous article criticisng it? You won't because they'll send you black and ignorant ass back to ghana. The country Nkru ... read full comment
PDA and you seem to enjoy it. To your pigeon brain it's the best thing since Apple pie. Where is your voluminous article criticisng it? You won't because they'll send you black and ignorant ass back to ghana. The country Nkrumah created. It's not the pda u hate it's jealousy of nkrumahs achievements that keeps u up at night. He at your age was a nation builder. You at his age are an ambulance chaser and border hoppers chaser. Nkrumah is aserious fellow in history. U are like a forgotten condomn. U are an example of a wasted life
francis kwarteng 9 years ago
Dear Brother SAS,
How are you doing?
There is more I want to say about this subject but I guess I have to end it here for now here and move on to other subject matters.
I will take up this issue again in the future ... read full comment
Dear Brother SAS,
How are you doing?
There is more I want to say about this subject but I guess I have to end it here for now here and move on to other subject matters.
I will take up this issue again in the future if a need arises.
I hope you and the family are fine.
Stay strong!
Thanks.
Ghana 9 years ago
These bomb throwers UP/NPP haven't stoped their obnoxious activities till date. They are all over Ghana creating fraise consternation as if hell will break lose the next day.
If Asanti/Akyems are not steering the wheel o ... read full comment
These bomb throwers UP/NPP haven't stoped their obnoxious activities till date. They are all over Ghana creating fraise consternation as if hell will break lose the next day.
If Asanti/Akyems are not steering the wheel of governance in Ghana then, it isn't right! Who in Ghana steal or loot more than these incorrigible armed robbers and murders called UP/NPP?
After they complete looting they burn the ministries to curtail traces of their diabolical deeds.
They hide behind innocent people like Alhajis Aliu and a gentle luminary like Dr Bawumia to achieve their aims. Similarly, if they are in power it's Ashanti/Akyems but seeking power it's now Akans forgetting that Ghanaians know them very well if even it's in the midnight!!
After they succeed, the aforementioned are relegated to the background but, whenever there's trouble they will fall on them to prove they are a real political party that doesn't discriminate.
Thank God that Osafo Marfo couldn't hide his frustrations anymore because, they are not calling the shots in Ghana to steal and talk nonsense anymore!!!.
We heard of them longtime ago and now Francis Kwarteng has opened the up concealed facts with undeniable supporting references that, they don't know where to turn with their lies anymore so, they resort to invectives!!!
Don't give up Francis we want to know everything. Set the records straight!!
Thank you my brother.
Truthiness 9 years ago
Are you willing to be thrown in prison today, indefinitely, without any trial by President John Mahama, just on his say so, that you are a threat to the nation?
Are you willing to be thrown in prison today, indefinitely, without any trial by President John Mahama, just on his say so, that you are a threat to the nation?
POZO 9 years ago
Kwame Nkrumah was educated in the USA but decided to form a one party state and silence his opponents through the PDA. The writer says USA also uses the PDA. Let us not forget the USA practises the multi party system where fr ... read full comment
Kwame Nkrumah was educated in the USA but decided to form a one party state and silence his opponents through the PDA. The writer says USA also uses the PDA. Let us not forget the USA practises the multi party system where freedom of speech is encouraged. Did Nkrumah allow freedom of speech let alone multi party system. In his quest for uNlimited power, opponents like J B Dankwa were thrown into jail courtesy the PDA.
Captain canada 9 years ago
Retarded? Have you heard of snowden, manning and Assange? You drank the Kool aid and acting stupid. If danquah and the rest had been the U.S. and had done what they did in ghana they would have been shot and killed on the spo ... read full comment
Retarded? Have you heard of snowden, manning and Assange? You drank the Kool aid and acting stupid. If danquah and the rest had been the U.S. and had done what they did in ghana they would have been shot and killed on the spot. Keep dreaming. US has it on paper as their first amendment but don't beleive in it. Next time u r in a theatre cry fire and see what happens to you. Are you this naive or just stupid?
MARCUS AMPADU 9 years ago
Another well written and well researched article from Prof. Kwarteng. You have amply shown that regardless of what the Danquahist detractors say about Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, your defense of his achievements and what he represente ... read full comment
Another well written and well researched article from Prof. Kwarteng. You have amply shown that regardless of what the Danquahist detractors say about Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, your defense of his achievements and what he represented cannot be shakened loose.
James 9 years ago
I salute Kwarteng for defending the TRUTH.Kwame Nkrumah lives.
I salute Kwarteng for defending the TRUTH.Kwame Nkrumah lives.
Kwame Bediako 9 years ago
All Kwarteng's articles are very factual and objective.I am very impressed.Anti-Nkrumah writers have totally lost the debate.
All Kwarteng's articles are very factual and objective.I am very impressed.Anti-Nkrumah writers have totally lost the debate.
MARCUS AMPADU 9 years ago
One of the greatest achievements of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah are his prolific publications. It is remarkable that he found time, despite his busy schedule to write several books - I Speak of Freedm, Africa Must Unite, Consciencism, ... read full comment
One of the greatest achievements of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah are his prolific publications. It is remarkable that he found time, despite his busy schedule to write several books - I Speak of Freedm, Africa Must Unite, Consciencism, The Struggle Continues, Handbook of Revolutionary Warfare, Class Struggle In Africa, Rhodesia File, Revolutionary Path, Dark Days in Ghana, and others.
The one I find most interesting is Consciecism.
When I ordered the book from Amazon, the book came with an anonymous write-up, which I will quote here:
Kwame Nkrumah has always been in the vanguard of what he himself calls ' the Afrcan revolution".....In this book he set out his personal philosophy, which he terms "Consciencism", And which has provided the intellectual framework for his political action.
Why "Consciecism"? The answer is that in this concept Dr. Nkrumah draws together strands frm the three main traditions which go to make up the African conscience: the Euro-Christian, the Islam, and the original African.
What I find extremely remarkable is that Dr. Molefi Kete Asante echoes the same sentiment.
He writes "In Consciencism Nkrumah states a political philosophy for Africa.
BOAFO YENA 9 years ago
Nkrumah in his book Dark Days in Ghana was either cursing us or he was predicting DUMSOR or he saw it coming
Nkrumah in his book Dark Days in Ghana was either cursing us or he was predicting DUMSOR or he saw it coming
Truthiness 9 years ago
Marcus, ask any of the boys who was the Ideological Institute. If they will tell you the truth, they will tell u in private that all those books were written by Prof Abraham at the Institute. As u rightly said, Nkrumah was to ... read full comment
Marcus, ask any of the boys who was the Ideological Institute. If they will tell you the truth, they will tell u in private that all those books were written by Prof Abraham at the Institute. As u rightly said, Nkrumah was too busy to have time for writing anything. Even, the concept of "Nrkumahism" has to be defined by the Ideo professors and then sent to Nkrumah for his approval.
francis kwarteng 9 years ago
Truthiness,
That Prof. Abraham's nonsense is dead on arrival. When are you giving your readers verifiable proofs for your concocted hallucinations?
What was Prof. Abraham's afraid of to that he would write under Nkruma ... read full comment
Truthiness,
That Prof. Abraham's nonsense is dead on arrival. When are you giving your readers verifiable proofs for your concocted hallucinations?
What was Prof. Abraham's afraid of to that he would write under Nkrumah's name, not under his own name? Or, you are rather implying Prof. Abraham was Nkrumah? Or vice versa?
Are Prof. Abraham's family members doing to sue Nkrumah's family to obtain the copyrights? And how are you helping Prof. Abraham's family to sue Nkrumah's family for the copyrights!
Now it is not Russians writing Nkrumah's books but Prof. Abraham? How far will you guys sink in your delusions?
I have heard and read this Prof. Abraham's fabrication and yet not one shred of verifiable evidence is adduced to support the revisionist fabrication.
Truthiness, tell us about your evidence and the evidence Prof. Abraham's living decendants/family has about this revisionist distortions.
And yes, I have read Nkrumah.
Truthiness 9 years ago
Prof, maybe you are too young, but some of us were eyewitnesses. we don't need any proof but our eyes. That is why I ask you to talk to those who were at the Ideo.
Prof, maybe you are too young, but some of us were eyewitnesses. we don't need any proof but our eyes. That is why I ask you to talk to those who were at the Ideo.
francis kwarteng 9 years ago
Marcus Ampadu/Truthiness,
To you Truthiness in particular, it is not about "age" or "sight." It is about provable evidence. Truthiness, tell us what Prof. Abraham's family are saying about your delusionary claims.
As a ... read full comment
Marcus Ampadu/Truthiness,
To you Truthiness in particular, it is not about "age" or "sight." It is about provable evidence. Truthiness, tell us what Prof. Abraham's family are saying about your delusionary claims.
As a matter of fact, there are so many things "older" folks claimed to have "seen" as children or in their youth that are nothing but a result of mirage, vertigo, delusions, prosopagnosia, and so forth!
And also tell us, Truthiness, what evidence you have given Prof. Abraham's family's to sue Nkrumah's family for the books' copyrights. This should be an easy task if you and Prof. Abraham's family have the evidence.
Please I don't want you to come back with your delusionary outbursts--old this, old that, seen this, seen that--for they are not helping your case.
Truthiness, Vladimir Lenin was equally as busy and hardworking as Nkrumah and still wrote prolifically. Lenin could probably be counted among the world's most prolific writers in human history.
And Nkrumah was one of the most hardworking human beings in history, having accomplished so much in his ten years in American alone (as well as in Britain [then in the Cold Coast and Ghana and on the international scene]) setting up international educational and political institutions, writing extensively, etc., before setting foot in the Gold Coast.
Truthiness, for serious information on Nkrumah's working habits (workaholic behavior) in America, Britain [and the Gold Coast and Ghana]) you may want to read:
1) Kwame Nkrumah's Politico-Cultural Thought and Policies (Kwame Botwe-Asamoah). Nkrumah worked from 4-5 am to 12 midnight (Gold Coast/Ghana). His staff on many occassions left him while he worked from dawn deep into the night.
2) Kwame Nkrumah: The Years Abroad 1935-1947.
I can only remember these two for now. Having said that, Nkrumah's working habits will kill many of us. And in case you do not also know, Truthiness, I deal with former Young Pioneers members who, arguably,can be counted among the most renowned scholars/researchers on the planet. Like you, they have "seen" and known many things about Nkrumah and the Ideological Institute.
Thus, you Truthiness shouldn't think or dream that you are the only one who has the final say on Nkrumah and, the Young Pioneers, and happenings at the Ideological Institute. Never think you are the only "old" guy who "saw." Others also "saw" more than you are claiming here.
It is surprising it is no longer the Russians and Nkrumah's British literary agents/secretary who wrote his books, but a Prof. Abraham! What an incurable delusion!
Finally, "age" and "sight" are not necessraily evidence. Steven Wonder may have "seen" more in life than you could probably bring yourself to appreciate!
Thanks.
Truthiness 9 years ago
"As a matter of fact, there are so many things "older" folks claimed to have "seen" as children or in their youth that are nothing but a result of mirage, vertigo, delusions, prosopagnosia, and so forth!"
Yes in 30 years t ... read full comment
"As a matter of fact, there are so many things "older" folks claimed to have "seen" as children or in their youth that are nothing but a result of mirage, vertigo, delusions, prosopagnosia, and so forth!"
Yes in 30 years time, someone will ask me or you to produce evidence that there was "dumsor" in in 2015 Ghana.
Prof Abraham never wrote for gratification and neither is his family interested in any copyrights of the books he wrote. He would not have agreed to be a ghostwriter if he wanted any gratifications.
Yes, some of your Young Pioneer friends may tell you different, but I matched daily in the Young Pioneer, I stood on platforms and recited poems about the "Great Messiah, who removes his ring from over his shoulder, I read the books about the baby Nkrumah who was riding on the back of her mother Nyaniba, who was wading across a stream and the baby Nkrumah told her he had stepped on a fish; lo and behold, Madam Nyaniba bend over, dipped her hand into the water and brought out a big fish from under her foot.
I read them all. I believed them, like most of the pioneers of my day. Some of your pioneer friends may continue to believe these stories and tell you all kinds of things.
This old man is grown and wiser. No one can take away from me what I saw with my own eyes.
That does not mean that I am taking away from the greatness of what the man Nkrumah was. Just being factual, and taking him with all the good and the bad, unlike you modern day starry eyed "Nkrumahists", who are more Nkrumah, than the man himself.
Truthiness 9 years ago
And prof, let me give you some of the info here in the inner workings at the Ideo Institute, as they struggled to define Nkrumahism. I was there ans I saw it all.
"----Dear Addison,I have now given careful study to the def ... read full comment
And prof, let me give you some of the info here in the inner workings at the Ideo Institute, as they struggled to define Nkrumahism. I was there ans I saw it all.
"----Dear Addison,I have now given careful study to the definitions of Nkrumaism which you submitted under cover of your letter of the 12th February, and suggest that Nkrumaism can best be defined as follows:Nkrumaism is the ideology for the new Africa, independent and absolutely free from imperialism, organised on a continental scale, founded on conception of one and united Africa, drawing its strength from modern science and technology and from the traditional African belief that the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all.
INTERESTING EXCHANGES.
9th January 2011
The definition of Nkrumaism did not come easily.Several African intellectuals worked on the definition of Nkrumaism and we are reproducing exchanges amongst Nkrumah, Kodwo Addision, Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute and S.G. Ikoku, a Nigerian associate of Nkrumah on the issue.The exchanges are dated 1964.
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,President of the Republic of Ghana,The Castle,Accra
My Dear Leader,We have been able to compile a brie definition of the scientific meaning of Nkrumaism for your perusal and necessary amendments. If this passes through the central committees, we would take it as a final definition of Nkrumaism.This work has been done by Mr. A.K Gaituah, Lecturer in Nkrumaism and myself.We attach, herewith, three different definitions for final selection.Assuring you of my absolute loyalty.
TO OSAGYEFO THE PRESIDENT ON NKRUMAISM
There are two criticisms of all three definitions of Nkrumaism propounded here.In the first place, these are “descriptions” and not strictly definitions.In the second place, these definitions regard Nkrumaism as the ideology of the “eve” of the total liquidation of imperialism in all its forms from Africa. Strictly speaking, therefore, this means that Nkrumaism will have served its purpose as soon as imperialism in all its forms is eradicated from Africa. This concept limits the historical significance of Nkrumaism to the struggle against imperialism and loses sight of another major aspect of the ideology which is the social, economic and political reconstruction, on a continental scale, that is to replace the ravages, schisms and conflicts of imperialism, colonialism and neo-colonialism.
A VIEW OF NKRUMAISM
Before attempting a brief definition of Nkrumaism, it is useful to consider the fundamental elements in the work and teachings of Kwame Nkrumah. Firstly, there is the question of destroying colonialism and imperialism in each African country. Secondly, there is the question of creating a new vibrant social order to take the place of the old society.
Thirdly, there is the question of organising this new social order on a continental scale. And fourthly, there is the question of the strategy (the social forces and the forms of struggle) for the attainment of the related objectives of destroying colonialism and imperialism in each African country, fashioning a new social order in each African nation, and achieving a new synthesis on an all-Africa level. Clearly, there is the need for an ideology which will provide a rational basis for the attainment of these objectives often summarily referred to as the African Revolution.We know the sort of Africa in which we live today. We have to define with precision the sort of Africa in which we hope to live tomorrow. In addition, we have to indicate how we intend to make the transition, knowing very well that the movement from where we are to where we want to be involves a revolutionary process.
Nkrumaism will thus represent the ideology of the new Africa towards the creation of which we have to direct all our energies as a people. It will, in addition, provide a rational exposition of the strategy and tactics for advancing to this new Africa.The goal is an Africa organically united at the continental level, unconditionally and absolutely free from the controls and trappings of direct and disguised imperialism, dedicated to the guarantee of a full and decent life for all its people, brought into being and sustained by the conscious efforts and organised will of the masses. Accordingly, we can define Nkrumaism as the ideology of the new Africa absolutely free from imperialism, organised on a continental scale, and founded upon a Re- Assertion in terms of modern technology of the traditional African view that the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all.
NKRUMAISM
Nkrumaism is the ideology for the new Africa, absolutely free from imperialism, organised on a continental scale, founded on the conception of one united Africa drawing its strength from modern science and technology and from the traditional African belief that the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all.Dear Addison,I have now given careful study to the definitions of Nkrumaism which you submitted under cover of your letter of the 12th February, and suggest that Nkrumaism can best be defined as follows:Nkrumaism is the ideology for the new Africa, independent and absolutely free from imperialism, organised on a continental scale, founded on conception of one and united Africa, drawing its strength from modern science and technology and from the traditional African belief that the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all.
Dear Mr. Addison,
DEFINITION OF “NKRUMAISM”
Osagyefo has asked me to thank you for your letter of today's date.With regard to the publicity which must be given to the agreed definition of Nkrumaism, Osagyefo has asked me to say that this is a matter not for him, but for you and the ideological Institute to get in touch with the national press.Osagyefo has also asked to say that he feels that the institute should establish some machinery whereby it keeps in close contact with the Young Pioneers, the Workers Brigade and all youth organisations and institutions-not forgetting the chiefs.
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,President of the Republic of GhanaThe Castle,Accra
My Dear Leader,
DEFINITION OF NKRUMAISM
Thank you for your letter dated 2nd March, 1964. I have considered seriously the last definition contained in this letter under reference about “Nkrumaism”. I am convinced that it is the best so far and in order to bring it home Ghanaians and African masses, I suggest that our national papers give it a bold publicity.You may also decide to circularize it to the Ghana Young Pioneers and other institutions of learning.Assuring you of my absolute loyalty.(KODWO ADDISON)Director"
francis kwarteng 9 years ago
Truthiness,
Nothing you say here constitutes evidence or the truth.
And nothing you say here proves any of the things you attribute to yourself.
Give me evidence to prove Prof. Abraham did not write for gratificati ... read full comment
Truthiness,
Nothing you say here constitutes evidence or the truth.
And nothing you say here proves any of the things you attribute to yourself.
Give me evidence to prove Prof. Abraham did not write for gratification (you can also add manuscript copies and the copyrights Prof. Abraham obtained for his work). I don't want to read about your delusions anymore. I am sorry but I am not one of your gullible subjects.
Where is the evidence proving the Russians, Prof. Abraham, Nkrumah's literary agents wrote his books? This is all that I need from you. IMPORTANTLTY DON'T EXPECT ANY FURTHER RESPONSE FROM ME IF YOU DON'T PROVIDE ME WITH ANY VERIFIABLE EVIDENCE.
Clearly, reading from your naive and "childish" responses you seem to have no evidence, let alone know what you are talking about. Remember, I can also repeat or have others repeat all that you have regurgitated here, given that all that you have said amount to nothing of substance.
Let's put a stop to this circular delusinary nonsense if we can't provide evidence. Guess what? I WILL NOT RESPOND TO YOUR RANTS ANYMORE. YOU HAVE NOTHING OF SUBSTANCE (IN TERMS OF EVIDENCE) FOR ME TO LEARN FROM!
Have a great weekend!
Truthiness 9 years ago
Well, you can please yourself. I'm not Prof Abraham's librarian or the custodian of his works to provide you with scripts and copies of his work.
You latter-day Nkrumahists think you are more Nkrumah that the man himself. Th ... read full comment
Well, you can please yourself. I'm not Prof Abraham's librarian or the custodian of his works to provide you with scripts and copies of his work.
You latter-day Nkrumahists think you are more Nkrumah that the man himself. That's your problem, and your loss, not mine.
I have seen all "types" of Nkrumahists pass through the grapevine. Your types will also pass.
Kwadwo 9 years ago
You accuse Danquah of being a CiA asset based primarily on a book by Richard Mahoney who was 10 when the alleged Danquah CIA connection occured. When I questioned the probity value of that evidence, you stood your ground an ... read full comment
You accuse Danquah of being a CiA asset based primarily on a book by Richard Mahoney who was 10 when the alleged Danquah CIA connection occured. When I questioned the probity value of that evidence, you stood your ground and continue to maintain that Danquah was a CIA mole. But you are attacking Thrutness assertion that Nkrumah did not personally author his books base on his observations at the Ideological Institute. Try to be consistent.
Kwadwo 9 years ago
You can't have it both ways.
You can't have it both ways.
Frank Eshun 9 years ago
The Cape Coast born renowned Philosophy Professor W.E.Abraham a.k.a Kojo Abraham was Head of the Philosophy Dept at the University of Ghana Legon.He later became the Pro-Vice-Chancellor/Acting Chancellor.He was removed from o ... read full comment
The Cape Coast born renowned Philosophy Professor W.E.Abraham a.k.a Kojo Abraham was Head of the Philosophy Dept at the University of Ghana Legon.He later became the Pro-Vice-Chancellor/Acting Chancellor.He was removed from office for purely political reasons after the 1966 coup,for being a staunch member of CPP and MP for Cape Coast and replaced with Prof Kwapong.He wrote the book THE MIND OF AFRICA.He was not a professor at the Ideological Institute.I am responding as a close relative.
KWABENA OHEMENG,LONDON 9 years ago
Kwame was absolutely right to use the PDA to detain the nation wreckers who were using violence to achieve their political aims. America which was at the forefront of criticising Osagyefo for using the PDA to detain his so-ca ... read full comment
Kwame was absolutely right to use the PDA to detain the nation wreckers who were using violence to achieve their political aims. America which was at the forefront of criticising Osagyefo for using the PDA to detain his so-called political opponents has detained its 'violent enemies' for years at Guantanamo Bay without trial.Perhaps they have now accepted that the best way to deal with a violent enemy is to detain him to safeguard peace and security.And this is a nation which claims to believe in the Rule of Law. What an irony!!!!
KKO 9 years ago
I know people whose lives were completely destroyed not because they committed any offence against the state, but only because people wanted their wives or lands. About 60% of the detainees that were freed from various prison ... read full comment
I know people whose lives were completely destroyed not because they committed any offence against the state, but only because people wanted their wives or lands. About 60% of the detainees that were freed from various prisons between 24 and 28th February 1966 were people who had been snitched on by CPP goons, and jailed for no just cause. An Accra boy of 15 was one of them, the youngest person to be incarcerated under that obnoxious law.
From the comfort of your state-provided flats in the dumps of Stockwell and Peckham and roach infested ghetto flats in America, you can sermonise about the PDA. However the millions of Ghanaians who poured into streets all over Ghana to jubilate on the day know that PDA was evil in 1958, it is evil today and will forever be evil.
Fortunately everyone of those who devised and implemented it got their just rewards for that evil and are still probably burning in hell!
Have any of you seen Asantewaa House at Kawukudi Junction lately??
Captain canada 9 years ago
Their lives because of the bombs and the terrorists acts? At least your people were in jail and didn't lose their lives. Going by your conclusion then dannquah and the rest deserve what they got under the pda for being terror ... read full comment
Their lives because of the bombs and the terrorists acts? At least your people were in jail and didn't lose their lives. Going by your conclusion then dannquah and the rest deserve what they got under the pda for being terrorists fuckers. A worse form of pda has been adopted by the bastion of freedom u admire. So Nkrumah was right and has been vindicated. The number of people who are now suffering and wish Nkrumah was back far outnumber those in the street after his overthrow. So he's been vindicated again. busia and danquah have been swept into the garbage bin of ghanaian history. Yes you also live in a safety of wherever u r squatting and pass judgement on those who had to face terrorism in their own country. What do u call that if not sermonizing? In the safety of your ghetto you preach about who evil the Pda was. Those whose lives were threatened did what was necessary. And history has vindicated them. Your fans the traitors are also burning in hell and got their just deserts. I hope it's the hottest part of hell for they deserve nothing less.
KKO 9 years ago
Unlike you, I have demonstrated against bad laws in Ghana, UK and America, and will continue to do so till I die. Evil is evil not matter who or where it is perpetuated. Get a life and start writing good English!
Unlike you, I have demonstrated against bad laws in Ghana, UK and America, and will continue to do so till I die. Evil is evil not matter who or where it is perpetuated. Get a life and start writing good English!
Captain Canada 9 years ago
I write better English than you a monkey who need ESL training. Fuck off with your loser nonsense. Which evil did you protest against? Liar!!
I write better English than you a monkey who need ESL training. Fuck off with your loser nonsense. Which evil did you protest against? Liar!!
Captain Canada 9 years ago
'Evil is evil not matter who or where it is perpetuated"? LOL. A clear demonstration of your English prowess. Then even bush people like you with lallation still think you know English. My dog writes better English than you d ... read full comment
'Evil is evil not matter who or where it is perpetuated"? LOL. A clear demonstration of your English prowess. Then even bush people like you with lallation still think you know English. My dog writes better English than you dog. A monkey pretending English is first language. Listen asshole I am English Canadian. Not some kuraseni who has been exposed to English and speaks it like he's got marbled tongue.
Kwadwo 9 years ago
Living in Canada should have thaught the basic principle of due process. This simply means you donot incarcerate people without charge or trial. I am glad Canada has granted you that right though you don't seem do appreciate ... read full comment
Living in Canada should have thaught the basic principle of due process. This simply means you donot incarcerate people without charge or trial. I am glad Canada has granted you that right though you don't seem do appreciate it. Some of us know better, and that is why we are glad your messiah was booted out of power.
Captain Canada 9 years ago
guess what? I lose the due process protection. Look up what happened to the Ottawa parliament shooter. He was not arrested and taken to court. He was shot and killed by the parliamentary sergeant at arms. What sort of due pro ... read full comment
guess what? I lose the due process protection. Look up what happened to the Ottawa parliament shooter. He was not arrested and taken to court. He was shot and killed by the parliamentary sergeant at arms. What sort of due process did the bomb throwers extend to the Ghanaians and Nkrumah?
Prof Lungu 9 years ago
Ghana's most important historic treasure and resource, the personality and legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is being squandered foolishly.
Rather than "Ghana's rulers", intellectuals, and public administrators figuring out ... read full comment
Ghana's most important historic treasure and resource, the personality and legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is being squandered foolishly.
Rather than "Ghana's rulers", intellectuals, and public administrators figuring out ways to enable the creation of the Kwame Nkrumah industry utilizing that global legacy as the Engine, we are all are stuck on a "Big 6" myth.
Unfortunately for us, the composite value of the so-called "Big 6" is a lot less than the individual parts, like a vehicle out of commission but whose Engine alone is worth more than the vehicle itself, if professionally harvested for the true value it is, and the investment it can be.
So, if we may humbly attempt a summary of Professor Kwarteng's essay this time, in reference to the "...extracts represent(ing) some of the major achievements chalked under the PDA...", we could in all honesty say this:
ITEM: To be fair to the actual record, Ghanaians and Ghana supporters ought to be cognizant of the reality that is the Kwame Nkrumah legacy. That legacy is "grounded in context and in millions of records all over the world, from "Northern" Ghana to the Accra-Tema Metroplex, from the United States of America to England, from China to South Africa, from Ethiopia to Vietnam, from Russia to the Cameroun, from Morocco to Nigeria, from Guinea to Egypt, from Jamaica to Japan, and all places in-between, then and now."
READ: "...Two Cameroonians honoured with AU/World Academy of Science, Kwame Nkrumah awards
....02/03/2015 - Professor Kofane Timoleon Crepin and Dr. Felix Kembe Assah are the winners of the 2014, African Union/ World Academy of Science, Kwame Nkrumah awards for the advancement of science in Developing countries
www.crtv.cm/fr/latest-news/journal-national-1/two-cameroonians-honoured-with-au-world-academy-of-science-kwame-nkrumah-awards-14148.htm.
Having a problem proofing, Google exactly this:
"Two Cameroonians honoured with AU / World Academy of Science, Kwame Nkrumah awards".
NOTE: The Date of Award was actually Friday 27th 2015, just 9 days ago, in somebody else's country!
Synthesize all of that!
Prof Lungu 9 years ago
02/03/2015 - Professor Kofane Timoleon Crepin and Dr. Felix Kembe Assah are the winners of the 2014, African Union/ World Academy of Science, Kwame Nkrumah awards for the advancement of science in Developing countries
www.cr ... read full comment
02/03/2015 - Professor Kofane Timoleon Crepin and Dr. Felix Kembe Assah are the winners of the 2014, African Union/ World Academy of Science, Kwame Nkrumah awards for the advancement of science in Developing countries
www.crtv.cm/fr/latest-news/journal-national-1/two-cameroonians-honoured-with-au-world-academy-of-science-kwame-nkrumah-awards-14148.htm.
JC 9 years ago
Two occasions necessitated the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah long before 1966. First the PDA, and secondly, the coercion of Parliament to establish a one-party state.
I salute our GALLANT soldiers of 24th February 1966, and the ... read full comment
Two occasions necessitated the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah long before 1966. First the PDA, and secondly, the coercion of Parliament to establish a one-party state.
I salute our GALLANT soldiers of 24th February 1966, and their collaborators, for the overthrow of the Govt. of a self styled power drunk 'village Messiah', for, tyranny anywhere is a concern of everyone everywhere, and send a warning to those of his ilk, that if they think Ghanaians are timid and or cowards they should go and read our history very well.
francis kwarteng 9 years ago
JC,
Your "Village Messiah" outsmarted your "City Messiah" Danquah (and others). Is that your contention?
What happened to your courageous coup plotters including Kotoka and Afrifa?
And which of your "City Messiahs" ... read full comment
JC,
Your "Village Messiah" outsmarted your "City Messiah" Danquah (and others). Is that your contention?
What happened to your courageous coup plotters including Kotoka and Afrifa?
And which of your "City Messiahs" has managed to achieve the global status given Nkrumah, your "Village Messiah"?
Put otherwise, even in death your "Village Messiah" stands taller in world history than your "City Messiahs" combined. Danquah is hardly respected in his Akyem Abuakwa village, not to talk of the Eastern Region, of Ghana, or of Africa!
Here is a list of the accolades the world has since bestowed on Nkrumah:
1)World Peace Prize (The World Veterans federation, 1954)
2)Man of the Millennium (BBC, 1999)
3)Gold Medal (Special Session, United Nations, 1978)
4)Millennium Excellence Award 2000 Recipient?Personality of the Century (Excellent Awards Foundation, Ghana)
5)Biennial Kwame Nkrumah International Conference (Canada’s Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Lincoln University). The Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and the Office of Research and Scholarship and the Sociology Department of Kwantlen Polytechnic University have supported the conference.
6)The International Lenin Peace Prize (1962; Paul Robeson, WEB Du Bois, Pablo Neruda (Nobel Prize in Literature), Linus Pauling (Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Nobel Peace Prize), and Nelson Mandela all received this Prize).
7)African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards (African Union, 2008)
8)Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (Howard University, Nkrumah papers)
9)100 Greatest Africans of All Time (New African Magazine, 2004)
10) The SATMA Awards (South African government, Ingwe Mabalabala, the National Heritage Council of South Africa).
11)Nkrumah statue at the African Union
On and on and on...
Tell us how the world celebrates your courageous "City Messiahs," including Danquah!
Thanks.
JC 9 years ago
Francis, stick to the point. I am talking about the overthrow of TYRANNY.If you don't have an answer to why the so-called Osagyefo imposed tyrannical rule in Ghana, just be quiet. Don't force yourself to beat about the bush.
Francis, stick to the point. I am talking about the overthrow of TYRANNY.If you don't have an answer to why the so-called Osagyefo imposed tyrannical rule in Ghana, just be quiet. Don't force yourself to beat about the bush.
BOY KOFI 9 years ago
All along,great nations are built by great men with considerable character of dictatorship.History reveals the mystery behind great leaders.You don't build a great empire with weak hearts,you don't build great kingdoms with f ... read full comment
All along,great nations are built by great men with considerable character of dictatorship.History reveals the mystery behind great leaders.You don't build a great empire with weak hearts,you don't build great kingdoms with fainted hearts.Founding Fathers of great nations always have something to do with violation of human rights.Nkrumah could not do otherwise but now that we have matured,we can move forward in different directions.Citizens from great nations are proud of their past great leaders by looking at the depth of their courage and tenacity but not by their negative side.Positivism is the way forward.Thank you.
Captain canada 9 years ago
He stuck to the points except u r too dense to see it. Yes he was overthrown by lesser men. And since then no one has been able to step on the shoes he left. Not the military leaders and not the so called scholars. Even bus ... read full comment
He stuck to the points except u r too dense to see it. Yes he was overthrown by lesser men. And since then no one has been able to step on the shoes he left. Not the military leaders and not the so called scholars. Even busia ran away from him because he recognized nkrumahs stature and prestige. Nkrumah has been recognized worldwide. Nary a mention is given to the so called liberators. There good enough for u?
J0eY LOnD0N 9 years ago
What happened to your courageous coup plotters including Kotoka and Afrifa?
And which of your "City Messiahs" has managed to achieve the global status given Nkrumah, your "Village Messiah"?
What happened to your courageous coup plotters including Kotoka and Afrifa?
And which of your "City Messiahs" has managed to achieve the global status given Nkrumah, your "Village Messiah"?
Prof Lungu 9 years ago
In this case, repeating has important didactic purposes!
Just a "miserable" 10 days ago....
"...02/03/2015 - Professor Kofane Timoleon Crepin and Dr. Felix Kembe Assah are the winners of the 2014, African Union/ World A ... read full comment
In this case, repeating has important didactic purposes!
Just a "miserable" 10 days ago....
"...02/03/2015 - Professor Kofane Timoleon Crepin and Dr. Felix Kembe Assah are the winners of the 2014, African Union/ World Academy of Science, Kwame Nkrumah awards for the advancement of science in Developing countries
www.crtv.cm/fr/latest-news/journal-national-1/two-cameroonians-honoured-with-au-world-academy-of-science-kwame-nkrumah-awards-14148.htm.
Let's synthesize all of that, and others too numerous to list in our time-bound electronic ink.
ITEM: We will posit that from what we know about CITIES and the history, JC's "City Messiah" and "Village Messiah" constructs do not hold water, conceptually, let alone operationally.
asonaba kofi 9 years ago
how anyone can question nkrumah`s greatness is beyond comprehension.the guy was simply a one off.ghana is blessed to have had such a person to be born to us.everything about the guy is unique.may the lord continue to bless hi ... read full comment
how anyone can question nkrumah`s greatness is beyond comprehension.the guy was simply a one off.ghana is blessed to have had such a person to be born to us.everything about the guy is unique.may the lord continue to bless his soul.
francis kwarteng 9 years ago
Dear Readers,
This extract is from Democracy Now, March 6, 2007, titled "Ghana Celebrates 50 Years of Independence: Pan-Africanism Leader Kwame Nkrumah in His Own Words & His Son Gamal Nkrumah Reflects on His Father's Lega ... read full comment
Dear Readers,
This extract is from Democracy Now, March 6, 2007, titled "Ghana Celebrates 50 Years of Independence: Pan-Africanism Leader Kwame Nkrumah in His Own Words & His Son Gamal Nkrumah Reflects on His Father's Legacy."
Readers can watch the interview "live":
........................................................................................................................................................
People across Ghana are celebrating the 50th anniversary of its independence from Britain today. On March 6th, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence from colonial rule. It inspired a wave of liberation struggles around Africa and the world. Just three years later, 17 more colonies had gained their independence. [includes rush transcript]
Thousands of people are out on the streets of the West African nation to mark the occasion. More than 20 heads of state are attending the ceremonies, including South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
In the capital–Accra–and beyond, Ghana’s Black Star flag is fluttering from electricity poles, car windows and palm trees to honor the watershed moment half a century ago.
On March 6th, 1957, the Gold Coast became Ghana and the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence from colonial rule. It inspired a wave of liberation struggles around Africa and the world. Just three years later, 17 more colonies had gained their independence.
Ghana’s first president — Kwame Nkrumah — gained international stature, emerging as one of the leaders of the worldwide anti-colonial movement and one of the most influential Pan-Africanists of the 20th century.
Kwame Nkrumah: "I am convinced that it is dangerous for the independent African states to wait any longer for the United Kingdom to do its duty. The time has come for the independent African state to take the initiative in their own hands."
Kwame Nkrumah helped usher in an era of independence for Africa after centuries of invasion, slavery and colonial rule. But in 1966, while he was away on a state visit to China, Nkrumah was overthrown in a CIA sponsored coup. He never returned to Ghana and died in exile in Guinea in 1972.
In a few minutes we will be joined by Kwame Nkrumah’s son, Gamal. But first, let’s go back to 1960 to hear Kwame Nkrumah in his own words. Three years after becoming Ghana"s first president, Nkrumah traveled to New York to address the world in front of the United Nations General Assembly.
Kwame Nkrumah, speaking in 1960. (Courtesy: Pacifica Radio Archives)
Kwame Nkrumah–independence leader and the first president of Ghana speaking before the UN General Assembly in 1960, courtesy of the Pacifica Radio Archives. Kwame Nkrumah’s son Gamal is the foreign editor of the Egyptian English-language newspaper, Al-Ahram Weekly. He joins me from Cairo. Welcome to Democracy Now.
Gamal Nkrumah, the son of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. Gamal is foreign editor of the English-language newspaper, Al-Ahram Weekly. He lives in Cairo, Egypt.
Transcript
This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form.
AMY GOODMAN: People across Ghana are celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its independence from Britain today. Thousands are out in the streets of the West African nation to mark the occasion. More than twenty heads of state are attending the ceremonies, including South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. In the capital Accra and beyond, Ghana’s Black Star flag is fluttering from electricity poles, car windows and palm trees to honor the watershed moment a half century ago.
On March 6, 1957, the Gold Coast became Ghana and the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence from colonial rule. It inspired a wave of liberation struggles around Africa and the world. Just three years later, seventeen more colonies had gained their independence. Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, gained international stature, emerging as one of the leaders of the worldwide anti-colonial movement and one of the most influential Pan-Africanists of the twentieth century.
PRESIDENT KWAME NKRUMAH: I am convinced that it is dangerous for the independent African states to wait any longer for the United Kingdom to do its duty. The time has come for the independent African states to take the initiative in their own hands.
AMY GOODMAN: Kwame Nkrumah helped usher in an era of independence for Africa after centuries of invasion, slavery and colonial rule. But in 1966, while he was away on a state visit to China, Nkrumah was overthrown in a CIA-sponsored coup. He never returned to Ghana and died in exile in Guinea in 1972.
In a few minutes, we’ll be joined by Kwame Nkrumah’s son Gamal. But first, let’s go back to 1960 to hear Kwame Nkrumah in his own words. Three years after becoming Ghana’s first president, Nkrumah traveled to New York to address the world in front of the United Nations General Assembly.
PRESIDENT KWAME NKRUMAH: Mr. President, distinguished delegates:
The great tide of history flows, and as it flows it carries to the shores of reality the stubborn facts of life and man’s relations, one with another. One cardinal fact of our time is the momentous impact of Africa’s awakening upon the modern world. The flowing tide of African nationalism sweeps everything before it and constitutes a challenge to the colonial powers to make a just restitution for the years of injustice and crime committed against our continent.
But Africa does not seek vengeance. It is against her very nature to harbor malice. Over two million of our people cry out with one voice of tremendous power. And what do they say? We do not ask for death for our oppressors; we do not pronounce wishes of ill-fate for our slave-masters; we make an assertion of a just and positive demand; our voice booms across the oceans and mountains, over the hills and valleys, in the desert places and through the vast expanse of mankind’s inhabitations, and it calls out for the freedom of Africa. Africa wants her freedom. Africa must be free. It is a simple call, but it’s also a signal lighting a red warning to those who would tend to ignore it.
For years and years, Africa has been the foot-stool of colonialism and imperialism, exploitation and degradation. From the north to the south, from the east to the west, her sons languished in chains of slavery and humiliation, and Africa’s exploiters and self-appointed controllers of her destiny strode across the land with incredible inhumanity without mercy, without shame and without honor. But these days are gone and gone forever. And now, I, an African, stand before this august assembly of the United Nations and speak with the voice of peace and freedom, proclaiming to the world the dawn of a new era.
AMY GOODMAN: Kwame Nkrumah, independence leader and the first president of Ghana, speaking before the UN General Assembly in 1960. That audio, courtesy of the Pacifica Radio Archives. Kwame Nkrumah’s son Gamal is the foreign editor of the Egyptian English-language newspaper Al-Ahram Weekly. He joins me from Cairo. Welcome to Democracy Now! Can you begin by talking about the significance of this day?
GAMAL NKRUMAH: This day is of tremendous significance. It symbolizes the end of colonial rule in Africa, and it ushers in a new era. It was an era full of hope. The aspiration of the people of Africa was about to be realized. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed a few years after that, symbolized again by the 24th of February, 1966 coup d’etat that overthrew my father’s government.
AMY GOODMAN: Before we get to the coup in 1966, the day you also left Ghana, I wanted to go back. Could you trace the freedom struggle of your father, President Kwame Nkrumah, and, before that, the freedom leader? Talk about where he was born, how the independent struggle was formed, and how Ghana became an independent nation.
GAMAL NKRUMAH: My father was born in the western region of Ghana, the coastal region near the border with Ivory Coast. He was educated in Ghana and then left the country to study in the United States. And in the United States, he met with many influential Pan-Africanists, and he had imbued the spirit of Pan-Africanism. The likes of Marcus Garvey greatly influenced Kwame Nkrumah’s thinking, but also W.E.B. DuBois, whom he invited later to move to Ghana, and he conferred on him Ghanaian citizenship, where he died, of course. And so, it was in the United States and later on in Britain, where he was very active with the Pan-African movement in establishing the fifth Pan-African Congress. So, in a way, my father was the first link between continental Africa and Africans in the diaspora. And that greatly influenced his ideas later on and his vision. After independence —
AMY GOODMAN: He went to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania?
GAMAL NKRUMAH: Yes. Yes, he did. And later on in the London School of Economics in London.
So the point I want to put across is that he became a link between continental Africa and Africans in the diaspora, across the Atlantic, especially, in the Caribbean and in the United States. After independence, he was convinced that the only way forward for Africa is African continental unity.
He was also for social justice at home. So he was a great believer in the free education and free healthcare, which was essential at the time for the people of Ghana, and it was unprecedented in the African continent. Hundreds of schools were built, and hospitals, across the country for the first time in the rural areas, as well as in the urban centers. He laid the foundations for the industrialization of Ghana. He built the Akosombo Dam to generate electricity. He also built the Tema Harbour, which was a deepwater harbor, immediately after independence. So he was laying the foundation for the industrialization of Ghana.
However, his dreams, his visions for Ghana were cut short by the 24th of February, 1966 coup. And today, we suffer in Ghana from the consequences of that coup. Over the years, there were successive military regimes —
AMY GOODMAN: Gamal Nkrumah, we have to break for stations to identify themselves. When we come back, though, I want to go back and ask you about President Nkrumah running for president from prison and what it was like in that first election. Gamal Nkrumah is our guest, the son of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. Gamal is the foreign editor for the English-language newspaper Al-Ahram Weekly. He is speaking to us from Cairo, Egypt. This is Democracy Now! Back with him in a minute.
[break]
AMY GOODMAN: Gamal Nkrumah is our guest, the son of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. Gamal is foreign editor of the English-language newspaper, Al-Ahram Weekly. He lives in Cairo, Egypt. Today, mass celebrations in Ghana on the fiftieth anniversary of the independence of Ghana from Britain. Gamal Nkrumah, can you talk about how your father came back to Ghana — called the Gold Coast then — and organized, and how he ended up in prison?
GAMAL NKRUMAH: Well, Nkrumah returned to Ghana after being very active in the Pan-African movement in Britain. He was mobilizing many of the African students who were in Britain at the time. He mobilized their support for a Pan-African organization, and, sure enough, they organized the fifth Pan-African Congress.
After that, he was asked to return to Ghana by the ruling — the educated elites at the time who had formed a party, and they asked him to be the secretary general of that party, because of his activism in Britain that they had heard about. And, sure enough, he organized. However, he quickly realized that they had a vested interest in not gaining independence from Britain, because as the educated elite, they wanted to retain what little power the colonial administration gave them.
It was after that that he formed his own party, the Convention People’s Party, and broke away from the established elitist party, the UGCC. And with the CPP formed, he galvanized the young and the masses of African people in Ghana at the time, and his rallying cry was "Independence now!" And he realized that the people of Ghana wanted independence at that particular moment.
After that, the colonial authorities imprisoned him, but he continued leading, even from prison. And the colonial authorities had to organize elections, because the country was in such a state of unrest then. And, sure enough, Kwame Nkrumah was democratically elected as prime minister, but the country still remained under the British Crown. In ’57, however, Ghanaians voted to have independence, and Ghana was the first African country south of the Sahara to gain independence from Britain, or from any European colonial power, for that matter. However, on the day of independence fifty years ago, Kwame Nkrumah stressed that the independence of Ghana was meaningless without the total liberation of the continent of Africa.
AMY GOODMAN: What does Pan-Africanism mean to you, Gamal Nkrumah, and what did it mean to your father?
GAMAL NKRUMAH: Much the same thing. I believe in my father’s vision of Pan-Africanism. Pan-Africanism, as Kwame Nkrumah saw it, was continental African unity. That is, the whole continent would be united into the United States of Africa. And that includes both North Africa and Africa south of the Sahara. It also means that the African diaspora would have the right to return and to have African citizenship, if they so wish.
It also means that Africa, as an impoverished continent, as a continent that suffered from 500 years of slavery and colonialism, that it needs to redress these wrongs done its people. And so, the onus would be on social justice, that those who suffered the most, the masses of Africa, would have access to free health and free healthcare and free education. These are essential parts of Nkrumah’s Pan-Africanist vision. And this is precisely the Pan-Africanism that I believe in.
AMY GOODMAN: Gamal Nkrumah, can you talk about the day of the coup in 1966? Who was behind it? You were six years old at the time?
GAMAL NKRUMAH: Yes. This is the only day that perhaps I remember from dawn to dusk. It was a terrible experience for a child of six. My sister was five at the time, and my younger brother was two. My younger brother, Sekou, did not realize what’s going on. My sister was crying. I remember she was crying the whole time, very distressed. My mother was very courageous, because, of course, my father was away on a state visit to China at the time.
And very early on in the morning at dawn, about 4:00 or so, she phoned President Gamal Abdel Nasser, after whom I was named, of Egypt, and told him that there is artillery fire and there is a coup d’etat, what appears to be a coup. And Nasser promised to send an Egyptian plane to come and take us as a family to Egypt.
In the meantime, there was fighting between the presidential guard, who were loyal to my father, and the army and police who had plotted the coup with the help of the CIA. And there was much fighting in the grounds of the presidential palace. It was called Flagstaff House. It still stands in Ghana in Accra today.
And we vacated the building at about 6:00 in the morning. And we went first to the Egyptian embassy in Accra, and then we went to the police headquarters, where my mother was interrogated. After that, we were taken to the airport, where the Egyptian plane had just landed. At first, the coup plotters did not want to release us children. They wanted my mother to travel alone. And she refused point blank. She said that she has to have her children with her. And we did eventually board the plane. And we arrived Egypt the following day at dawn. It was a very difficult day. It is perhaps the only day that I remember from dawn ’til dusk.
AMY GOODMAN: Gamal Nkrumah, how do you know that the CIA was behind the coup in Ghana?
GAMAL NKRUMAH: Well, it is no secret that George Bush, the father, was behind that particular project to topple Kwame Nkrumah. And surely enough, he was rewarded after the coup by being made director of the CIA, and his political career took off after that day. And the papers and documents of the time that were embargoed are now — anybody can have access to those papers in Washington in the Library of Congress and read. Any serious student of history who’s interested in this particular episode would find ample evidence in those documents in Washington. It’s available for all today.
AMY GOODMAN: Gamal Nkrumah, let me ask you about what Kwame Nkrumah was criticized for toward the end, before the coup, when he had declared himself president for life; Preventative Detention Act, which allowed Nkrumah to hold anyone for up to five years without trial; the Trade Union Act, which made strikes illegal. Your comment on that?
GAMAL NKRUMAH: Well, I think we have put that in the context of Ghana at the time. The situation was that all the left-leaning presidents in Africa, such as Gamal Abdel Nasser in Egypt or Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana or others, were under tremendous pressure. In Egypt, there was the Israeli aggression, the Tripartite aggression in ’56, the Suez. And after that, Israel was always having wars and launching wars on the Arab countries, including Egypt, the largest one.
In Ghana the pressures were also there — Ghana was being sanctioned — and especially after Nkrumah wrote his book, Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism in 1965. After that, in which — in this book he exposed the neo-colonial — in fact, he coined the term. He said that an African country might be independent and have all the trappings of independence — a government and currency, etc. — but that in reality its economy is controlled by foreign capital. He explained that in his book, Neo-Colonialism. And I believe that it was after his publishing that particular book that the CIA decided they have to get rid of him. And so, Ghana was sanctioned, and the economic situation in the country began to be shaky.
Of course, Nkrumah’s detractors said that his program of free education and free healthcare led to economic disaster. But that was not the case. The case was that Nkrumah was laying the foundations for Ghana’s industrialization and that what topped the top of his agenda was social justice and social rise. And I think it is important in the context of the Cold War at the time, in the context of underdevelopment, to realize that at the time people — leaders like Nkrumah and Nasser in Egypt had stressed social rights, as opposed to individual human rights today, not that they underestimated individual human rights, but, to them, social rights, which means social welfare, which means free education and free healthcare, were vitally important. And so, their priorities were a little bit different than some of the democratic Democrats today, whether in Africa or elsewhere. And Nkrumah stressed that his people’s welfare was of utmost importance.
AMY GOODMAN: Gamal Nkrumah, I wanted to ask you about Malcolm X meeting with your father, with Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana, and the effect that that had on the two men.
GAMAL NKRUMAH: That was a meeting of minds. They were two men who were very much alike in outlook. They both had a very broad perspective and a long-term vision. And this is what differentiated them from their contemporaries. Nkrumah was convinced that the only way forward for Africa was African continental unity, coupled with socialism. And Malcolm X was convinced that the only way forward for African Americans was their connection and solidarity with the peoples of the developing world, the people of the South, and, in particular, Africa, the people of Africa. So this is what differentiated Malcolm X’s vision.
What was so vitally important about it is that he put the struggles of African Americans for civil rights at the time in the context of linking up and networking with people from the developing countries of the South, including Africa. And that is why, again, the CIA saw that he had to go. It is this vision of the two men, that the most important thing is the networking of oppressed people, and the unity is paramount to the success of the struggle, and this is why the two men had to be cut short by the powers that be in Washington and other colonial capitals.
AMY GOODMAN: Gamal Nkrumah, we will lose our satellite connection to you in Cairo, Egypt, in just a minute. But I wanted to ask about why your father, after the coup, chose to go to Guinea, where he died years later.
GAMAL NKRUMAH: He chose to go to Guinea, because it was the nearest base to Ghana at the time. He had dreamt of returning to Accra, Ghana and making Ghana the headquarters of a United States of Africa and inviting Pan-Africanists from all over the continent and from the United States, the Caribbean and the whole of the African diaspora to come to Ghana and make it their base. And so, he chose Guinea, because it was geographically closest to Ghana, and he had a special friendship with its president, Ahmed Sekou Toure.
AMY GOODMAN: In this last minute, your final comments, as you speak to us from Egypt, from Cairo, Egypt, Gamal Nkrumah, on this fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Ghana, your birthplace, your original home.
GAMAL NKRUMAH: I would appeal to all Pan-Africanists the world over, not just in Africa, to stick to Nkrumah’s vision of continental African unity and social justice, the welfare of the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society. This was Nkrumah’s legacy, and this is the only way forward for the people of Africa. And it is only when Africa stands tall among the nations of the world that people of African descent everywhere would also be proud. As long as Africa remains impoverished, as long as it remains divided, susceptible to civil wars, then Africans and people of African descent the world over would never feel fully free or their aspirations fully realized.
AMY GOODMAN: Gamal Nkrumah, I want to thank you very much for being with us, the son of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. Gamal Nkrumah is foreign editor of the English-language newspaper Al-Ahram Weekly. He lives in Cairo, Egypt.
........................................................................................................................................................
INXS 9 years ago
Thank you for your series on this project - justification of the PDA. And thanks for making the rest of us benefit from your extensive reading of our history. I have only a few comments:
1. When you write:
"Finally, contr ... read full comment
Thank you for your series on this project - justification of the PDA. And thanks for making the rest of us benefit from your extensive reading of our history. I have only a few comments:
1. When you write:
"Finally, contrary to what Danquah apologists might say or think, Nkrumah did not kill any of his political opponents or use the PDA to suppress the Opposition. Rather, the Opposition imploded under its own weight of ineffective campaign strategies; total rejection by the masses for its terrorist, secessionist and ethnocentric political calculations; elitist rejection of the masses; and self-destructive tendencies."
I think the first of your reasons is the really relevant one. The corollary was that the CPP was extremely well organised. I think it was the better electoral strategy on the part of the CPP that won them the day rather than the poverty of the opposition's own strategies. It was more the CPP drawing the people to it than the people rejecting the opposition. The opposition resorted to violence but the CPP was also capable of meeting violence with violence. The violent nature of the rallies in those days was because the CPP was also made up of elements who wouldn't sit idle by when violence was brought to them. After some time, the state became quite synonymous with the ruling party - CPP. Violence against the state was also violence against the CPP.
2. You quoted Gen. Ankrah, Jomo Kenyatta, Obed Asamoah and a host of others in this write up. I don't see the purpose of those quotes to the project of justifying the PDA. None of the quotes show that the PDA under Nkrumah was justified. The quotes only show Nkrumah was a great leader (which many of us have no doubt about) but we don't see how they relate directly to the PDA. Are you trying to argue that if we agree that a leader was great, then everything that the leader did was, ipso facto, justified?
3. You referred to a number of violent incidents that happened even after the PDA was passed (and was still in effect). How are we to read that? Some people may read that to mean that the PDA was, perhaps, not the best instrument to stem the violence. Perhaps something else could have been done.
4. You have been very persuasive in your justification of the PDA. But you have not quite addressed some of the more genuine criticisms of the act from the more serious critics. For instance, Kwadwo has been consistently saying that the act denied those who fell foul of it due process of law. If you suspect someone of acting to disturb the public peace or national unity or the physical well-being of the president, you cannot just put that person away and, sort of, forget about him. After some time of incarceration, the culprit should be brought before the law and properly charged and jailed if necessary..
My own criticism is the excesses to which the law was applied. These were the unintended consequences of a law that may have been justifiable when passed. You don't mention such excesses to give us a well-rounded argument.
Well, today, Ghanaians will fight ruthlessly against any law that smacks of PDA - unless they don't know of it. One of the reasons they will do so is the bitter experience from the PDA days. So the PDA has also taught us a path NOT to take again. We should not forget that.
Thanks
RINGO 9 years ago
Thank you,INXS.With reference to the excesses of the PDA,it was unfortunate that more than half of the detainees were neither criminals nor suspects.Some irresposible Ghanaian Government officials and Security forces took adv ... read full comment
Thank you,INXS.With reference to the excesses of the PDA,it was unfortunate that more than half of the detainees were neither criminals nor suspects.Some irresposible Ghanaian Government officials and Security forces took advantage of the PDA and had their enemies detained for no apparent reason.It is a fact that Nkrumah and his CPP cabinet did not even know how many Ghanaians were jailed under the PDA.I will call this unfortunate situation "accident of history." .Thanks again,INXS
kasapreko III 9 years ago
So, I ask INXS, what is your opinion about the patriot Act of the US and its heavy-handed treatment of terrorists?
Much as I think that every period and nation has its own peculiar obligations to deal with treason and sedi ... read full comment
So, I ask INXS, what is your opinion about the patriot Act of the US and its heavy-handed treatment of terrorists?
Much as I think that every period and nation has its own peculiar obligations to deal with treason and sedition, which may or may not apply to similar future events, I do not necessarily think that in view of how the US has popularized and even 'justified' extreme and equally terroristic state measures to deal with terrorism, that Ghanaians would reject such measures today. Perhaps the questin you should rather ask is that, how would Ghanaians prefer to deal with terrorism on its own soil today?
In consideration of the fact that it was the US (by its own admission) that was behind the terrorist anti-govt activities of the Danquasiris during the period of the 1st Republic of Ghana, can you also imagine what would have happened to the US if the US was Ghana and Ghana was a strong military power as the US now is, during the Nkrumah period?
The long and short of all this is that, today, the US – an influential member of the UN Security Council, by its own actions against those who it considers to be terrorists throughout the world, has indemnified, cured, redeemed or even justified all and any such heavy-handed measures against terrorism.
I consider it as the height of hypocrisy and cowardice to malign Kwame Nkrumah for taking a deservedly strong stance against people who had conspired with a stronger nation to undermine the authority of the state. The problem with Kwame Nkrumah was that he was too lenient with these scum. That is why they got more and more confident in their undemocratic and criminal desires to assassinate the President and overthrow the democratic Govt of Ghana.
Throughout world history and in virtually all countries, traitors and all such vermin have duly been served with the death penalty – with or without the remit of the law.
The sympathizers and apologists of terrorists in Ghana, apart from employing to maximum advantage, the imperialist manual to prevent and quash the growth of nationalism and development in Africa, are just playing on the ignorance and petty emotions of the public to make Nkrumah – an outstanding and extraordinary icon of African nationalism, unpopular. In spite of the invincible odds against them, the Danquasiris persist in this ignoble mission obviously because many of them still scramble for and feed off the ‘crumbs’ that are thrown at them by their racist imperialist masters.
francis kwarteng 9 years ago
INXS,
Your rants do not say a damn thing. It does not undo the fact that the PDA was the best thing Ghana EVER had (collateral damage is bound to happen in such situations for whatever reasons). Thus, I will defend the PDA ... read full comment
INXS,
Your rants do not say a damn thing. It does not undo the fact that the PDA was the best thing Ghana EVER had (collateral damage is bound to happen in such situations for whatever reasons). Thus, I will defend the PDA in my grave. I make no apologies!
INXS, the PDA was the best thing that ever happened to Ghana and Africa. A number of innocent men and women have been freed under America's Patriot. Obama's drone assassinations (collateral damage), extraordinary renditions, per-emptive strikes, preventive detention regimes and collateral damage, Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp controversies, etc., Wikileaks and Edward Snowden's revelations, etc., have made America (and the West) stronger and relatively safer in terms of combatting terrorism.
Do you have any idea how preventive detention would have prevented the Charlie Hebdo Shooting, Sept. 11, Boston Marathon Bombings, and several others around the world?
Yes, the West had intelligence info on the perpetrators behind these terrorists acts but the West's "liberal" politics and bureaucracy prevented proper analysis of intelligence reports.
And what the PDA had done for Malaysia and several stable and economically-viable countries aroud the world! Today Ghana wants to be like Malaysia! What an irony! Go and ask Malaysians to tell you more about the PDA!
Therefore, stop crying over the PDA and deal with the general good it did for Ghana, Africa, and the world.
If you have any problems wit it, the PDA, I suggest you take it to the NLM, Busia, Danquah, Obetsebi-Lamptey, S.G. Antor, the CIA, and finally, those colonial elements like the British Cadbury and Fry that financially supported the NLM, and those colonial elements at Obuasi Gold Mines who supplied dynamites to the NLM.
From the standpoints of the victims and the stability of Ghana and Africa's decolonization, it was a perfect legal instruments. I have no sympathies for your position. The statements by Obed Asamoah, Jomo Kenyatta, and the others say it all. The PDA was inferentially what Ghana and Africa needed.
I guess you read where the two American legal scholars I cited made the case that preventive detention is a common phenonemenon in America (even around the world. I don't have the time to take you around the world, icluding the West, where variants of the PDA is still practiced today).
And preventive detention is not substantiallly different from the practice of "remand" in Ghana today. In other words, variants of the PDA is still practiced in Ghana today on a larger scale in the form of "remand." Amnesty International is worried about this situation in Ghana.
Have a great weekend!
INXS 9 years ago
I don't think you have answered the specific issues I raised. Instead, you are arguing as if I said the PDA was a bad law, globally (I never said that) or that I am an opponent (nothing I said indicates that). And note too th ... read full comment
I don't think you have answered the specific issues I raised. Instead, you are arguing as if I said the PDA was a bad law, globally (I never said that) or that I am an opponent (nothing I said indicates that). And note too that I have never asked you to stop defending the PDA and have never asked you to make any apologies for doing so either. I only ask you to discuss the issues raised by the act itself and by your articles.
I raised two issues: the misapplication of the law. This is the only issue that you tried to answer by reference to the fact that the fall outs were "collateral damage". You support that by reference to US practice - Obama's drone assassinations, Guantanamo, etc and go on to say that these things have made America and the west "stronger and relatively safer". The conclusion we are to draw is that if these people are doing these things now (Obama) then the PDA must also have been right 50+ years earlier...
The other question which I raised, attributing it to Kwadwo (even though others too have made it) is the one about the due process of law that balances individual rights against the need of the state to protect the nation and its individuals. If the PDA is used to put away dangerous individuals, then at a time, such individuals should be brought before a properly constituted court and their guilt proven (or innocence asserted) and they be properly gaoled or executed or released. You have not touched on this age old problem - a problem that is not unique to the Ghanaian situation.
I also asked you what the quotes from Obed Asamoah, Kenyatta, Kaunda, etc have to do with the PDA. Those quotes were not commenting on the PDA and, for all I know, were not even made in connection with the PDA. So what are they doing here in your justification of the Act, which is the topic under discussion?
You add that forms of the PDA are still being practised in Ghana today in form of "remand". And you said Amnesty International was worried about this situation in Ghana. Why would AI be worried?
Finally, Francis, you have written very lengthy articles on this topic (I always favour shorter articles so that more people will read them). I have not referred to them as "your rants". It is surprising that you should call my concerns as "rants". Perhaps you don't regard that as a foul word...
francis kwarteng 9 years ago
INXS,
I believe I have given you more than I should.
Please go back and read the articles, particularly this one, the third, again. I also used the phrase "general good" to describe the benefits Ghanaians, Ghana, Afric ... read full comment
INXS,
I believe I have given you more than I should.
Please go back and read the articles, particularly this one, the third, again. I also used the phrase "general good" to describe the benefits Ghanaians, Ghana, Africa, and the larger derived from the PDA. This "general good" attribute of the PDA neutralizes your reservations.
In words, the PDA was SO GOOD as to render any arguments against it null and void!
Kasapreko 111 has also added his voice, reinforcing its benefits as far as keeping Ghana together, making the decolonization of Africa possible, and saving thousands of life.
The larger world is today benefiting from Africa's decolonization, so too are Africans and Ghanaians. These larger benefits outweight your reservations. This is what cost-benefit analysis is all about. The PDA worked excellently in both the short term and the long term.
Please go back and read his [Kasapreko 111's] commentary again. All what I said in Part 3 would not have happened had not been the PDA. Then again the PDA should be separated from Nkrumah. Opposition terrorism and violence prompted its implementation.
All that said, the PDA was a good thing. America's Patriot Act and other such around the world, including the West, vindicates Ghana! The West has been using "preventive detention" for God knows how long. Post-Apartheid South Africa uses it. Pre-Apartheid South Africa used it as well. In fact it is a carry-over from the Pre-Apartheid era!
Norwegian terrorist Anders Behring Breivik has been placed under preventive detention for 21 years. The PDA in the First Republic (Ghana), on the other hand, gave terrorists 5 years. Yet what terrorists such as Obetsebi-Lamptey and others did to the states and its citizens was no different from Breiviks.
Besides, some folks at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp have been there for more than ten years withoute being charged or tried. Yet despite all the problems the Patriot Act, reditionds, drone assassinations (collateral damage), etc., America unapologetically still continues to defend its track record on preventing terrorism! Is American not a liberal democracy?
Nkrumah was so lenient with folks like Danquah and Obetsebi-Lamptey and their ilk. Nkrumah should have hanged them all.
Thus, the PDA was an excellent piece of legislation. No apologies. In fine, my answer to your questions is: THE PDA WAS AN EXCELLENT PIECE OF LEGISLATION. AND THAT ITS LARGER BENEFITS TRUMP YOUR RESERVATIONS, MAKING THEM IRRELEVANT. I WILL ADOPT IT ANY DAY IF TERRORISTS LIKE DANQUAH, BUSIA, OBETSEBI-LAMPTEY, S.G. ANTORS, ETC., SHOULD RESURRECT THEIR TERRORIST POLITICAL CARREERS IN THE FOURTH REPUBLIC!
Thanks.
kasapreko III 9 years ago
"I say to you publicly and frankly; The burden of suffering that must be borne, impose it upon one generation!
Do not, with the false kindness of the missionaries and the businessmen, drag out this agony for another 500 y ... read full comment
"I say to you publicly and frankly; The burden of suffering that must be borne, impose it upon one generation!
Do not, with the false kindness of the missionaries and the businessmen, drag out this agony for another 500 years while your villages rot and your peoples minds sink into the morass of a subjective darkness .....
Be merciful by being stern!If I lived under your regime, I would ask for this hardness, this coldness ....
Make no mistake Kwame, they are going to come at you with words about democracy; you are going to be pinned to the wall and warned about decency; plump-faced men will mumble academic phrases about 'sound' development; gentlemen of the cloth will speak unctuously of values and standards; in short, a barrage of concentrated arguments will be hurled at you to persuade you to temper the pace and the drive of your movement ....
But you know as well as I do that the logic of your actions is being determined by the conditions of the lives of your people .....
There will be no way to avoid a degree of suffering, of trial, of tribulation: suffering comes to all people, but you have within your power, the means to make this suffering of your people meaningful, to redeem whatever stresses and strains may come.
None but Africans can perform this for Africa. And, as you launch your bold programmes, as you call on your people for sacrifices, you can be confident that there are free men beyond the continent of Africa who see deeply enough into life to know and to understand what you must do, what you must impose ...."
THE ABOVE FORMS PART OF A LETTER WRITTEN BY THE WORLD RENOWNED AFRICAN-AMERICAN WRITER AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, RICHARD WRIGHT, TO KWAME NKRUMAH
Francis I like the way you make those quislings, earthworms and two-legged quadrupeds, squirm in the nightmare of their own cerebral excrement. Kudos
francis kwarteng 9 years ago
Dear Brother Kasapreko 111,
I am grateful to have you as one of my able teachers, professors, and mentors, please whoever you are. You make me so proud. And I am deeply proud of you.
You also make me so proud, thus mak ... read full comment
Dear Brother Kasapreko 111,
I am grateful to have you as one of my able teachers, professors, and mentors, please whoever you are. You make me so proud. And I am deeply proud of you.
You also make me so proud, thus making me feel I am fighting a good fight, a good battle. I will dare not stop taking this battle to Nkrumah's enemies until I am deep down in my grave.
And like you, I am not the type to intimidate. I will continue to defend one of the greatest human beings [Nkrumah]until my last breath.
Sometimes I wonder if Nkrumah's legacy needs defending at all, since his legacy is so rich and powerful as to require defense, and since it [Nkrumah's unparalleled legacy] speaks for itself. It is not except that his shameless detractors give us no other choice.
Look at the richness of Richard Wright's advice! See how boldly Richard Wrights egged Kwame Nkrumah on to fight for his people, us, but the same man [Richard Wright] made light of Danquah's political strategies and political career, dismissing the Danquah's distaste for the masses out of hand for instance.
Well, I have to look for this Richard Wright's letter and read it, read it, read it...and read it until I get tired. And who can ever get tired reading about the great Kwame Nkrumah, the Greatest African ever? I don't.
I am intellectually at your feet, Brother Kasapreko 111. Please continue to share your encyclopedic knowledge with me and others.
Francis Kwarteng thanks for this your exceptional efforts to open the real events that took place sometime ago in our country between a patriot being Dr Nkrumah and unparriotic terrorist JB Danquah.
It's very important to ...
read full comment
Dear Brother Ghana,
You are welcome.
Please continue to read and to provide us with constructive criticisms. We appreciate them.
Thanks.
ALL FBI INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED
DATE 04-21-2006 BY 60309 AUC
TAM/DCG/EHL
SUPPLEMENT
KWANE Nkrumah
President of Ghana
This is the 28th of a, series of analyses of key government leaders around t ...
read full comment
Francis, do you have anything to say on Washington's intelligence assessment on your messiah? It is on the money don't you think?
It's all about copy and paste nonsense from the brain amputated francis kwarteng. He can never write anything reasonable and meaningful on his own unless copying from the internet and pasting. Fool!!!
shame on the writer
The writer, Prof. Kwarteng cogently states:
"In effect, the PDA represented the best thing that ever happened to Ghana and Africa."
Need I say more?
PDA and you seem to enjoy it. To your pigeon brain it's the best thing since Apple pie. Where is your voluminous article criticisng it? You won't because they'll send you black and ignorant ass back to ghana. The country Nkru ...
read full comment
Dear Brother SAS,
How are you doing?
There is more I want to say about this subject but I guess I have to end it here for now here and move on to other subject matters.
I will take up this issue again in the future ...
read full comment
These bomb throwers UP/NPP haven't stoped their obnoxious activities till date. They are all over Ghana creating fraise consternation as if hell will break lose the next day.
If Asanti/Akyems are not steering the wheel o ...
read full comment
Are you willing to be thrown in prison today, indefinitely, without any trial by President John Mahama, just on his say so, that you are a threat to the nation?
Kwame Nkrumah was educated in the USA but decided to form a one party state and silence his opponents through the PDA. The writer says USA also uses the PDA. Let us not forget the USA practises the multi party system where fr ...
read full comment
Retarded? Have you heard of snowden, manning and Assange? You drank the Kool aid and acting stupid. If danquah and the rest had been the U.S. and had done what they did in ghana they would have been shot and killed on the spo ...
read full comment
Another well written and well researched article from Prof. Kwarteng. You have amply shown that regardless of what the Danquahist detractors say about Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, your defense of his achievements and what he represente ...
read full comment
I salute Kwarteng for defending the TRUTH.Kwame Nkrumah lives.
All Kwarteng's articles are very factual and objective.I am very impressed.Anti-Nkrumah writers have totally lost the debate.
One of the greatest achievements of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah are his prolific publications. It is remarkable that he found time, despite his busy schedule to write several books - I Speak of Freedm, Africa Must Unite, Consciencism, ...
read full comment
Nkrumah in his book Dark Days in Ghana was either cursing us or he was predicting DUMSOR or he saw it coming
Marcus, ask any of the boys who was the Ideological Institute. If they will tell you the truth, they will tell u in private that all those books were written by Prof Abraham at the Institute. As u rightly said, Nkrumah was to ...
read full comment
Truthiness,
That Prof. Abraham's nonsense is dead on arrival. When are you giving your readers verifiable proofs for your concocted hallucinations?
What was Prof. Abraham's afraid of to that he would write under Nkruma ...
read full comment
Prof, maybe you are too young, but some of us were eyewitnesses. we don't need any proof but our eyes. That is why I ask you to talk to those who were at the Ideo.
Marcus Ampadu/Truthiness,
To you Truthiness in particular, it is not about "age" or "sight." It is about provable evidence. Truthiness, tell us what Prof. Abraham's family are saying about your delusionary claims.
As a ...
read full comment
"As a matter of fact, there are so many things "older" folks claimed to have "seen" as children or in their youth that are nothing but a result of mirage, vertigo, delusions, prosopagnosia, and so forth!"
Yes in 30 years t ...
read full comment
And prof, let me give you some of the info here in the inner workings at the Ideo Institute, as they struggled to define Nkrumahism. I was there ans I saw it all.
"----Dear Addison,I have now given careful study to the def ...
read full comment
Truthiness,
Nothing you say here constitutes evidence or the truth.
And nothing you say here proves any of the things you attribute to yourself.
Give me evidence to prove Prof. Abraham did not write for gratificati ...
read full comment
Well, you can please yourself. I'm not Prof Abraham's librarian or the custodian of his works to provide you with scripts and copies of his work.
You latter-day Nkrumahists think you are more Nkrumah that the man himself. Th ...
read full comment
You accuse Danquah of being a CiA asset based primarily on a book by Richard Mahoney who was 10 when the alleged Danquah CIA connection occured. When I questioned the probity value of that evidence, you stood your ground an ...
read full comment
You can't have it both ways.
The Cape Coast born renowned Philosophy Professor W.E.Abraham a.k.a Kojo Abraham was Head of the Philosophy Dept at the University of Ghana Legon.He later became the Pro-Vice-Chancellor/Acting Chancellor.He was removed from o ...
read full comment
Kwame was absolutely right to use the PDA to detain the nation wreckers who were using violence to achieve their political aims. America which was at the forefront of criticising Osagyefo for using the PDA to detain his so-ca ...
read full comment
I know people whose lives were completely destroyed not because they committed any offence against the state, but only because people wanted their wives or lands. About 60% of the detainees that were freed from various prison ...
read full comment
Their lives because of the bombs and the terrorists acts? At least your people were in jail and didn't lose their lives. Going by your conclusion then dannquah and the rest deserve what they got under the pda for being terror ...
read full comment
Unlike you, I have demonstrated against bad laws in Ghana, UK and America, and will continue to do so till I die. Evil is evil not matter who or where it is perpetuated. Get a life and start writing good English!
I write better English than you a monkey who need ESL training. Fuck off with your loser nonsense. Which evil did you protest against? Liar!!
'Evil is evil not matter who or where it is perpetuated"? LOL. A clear demonstration of your English prowess. Then even bush people like you with lallation still think you know English. My dog writes better English than you d ...
read full comment
Living in Canada should have thaught the basic principle of due process. This simply means you donot incarcerate people without charge or trial. I am glad Canada has granted you that right though you don't seem do appreciate ...
read full comment
guess what? I lose the due process protection. Look up what happened to the Ottawa parliament shooter. He was not arrested and taken to court. He was shot and killed by the parliamentary sergeant at arms. What sort of due pro ...
read full comment
Ghana's most important historic treasure and resource, the personality and legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is being squandered foolishly.
Rather than "Ghana's rulers", intellectuals, and public administrators figuring out ...
read full comment
02/03/2015 - Professor Kofane Timoleon Crepin and Dr. Felix Kembe Assah are the winners of the 2014, African Union/ World Academy of Science, Kwame Nkrumah awards for the advancement of science in Developing countries
www.cr ...
read full comment
Two occasions necessitated the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah long before 1966. First the PDA, and secondly, the coercion of Parliament to establish a one-party state.
I salute our GALLANT soldiers of 24th February 1966, and the ...
read full comment
JC,
Your "Village Messiah" outsmarted your "City Messiah" Danquah (and others). Is that your contention?
What happened to your courageous coup plotters including Kotoka and Afrifa?
And which of your "City Messiahs" ...
read full comment
Francis, stick to the point. I am talking about the overthrow of TYRANNY.If you don't have an answer to why the so-called Osagyefo imposed tyrannical rule in Ghana, just be quiet. Don't force yourself to beat about the bush.
All along,great nations are built by great men with considerable character of dictatorship.History reveals the mystery behind great leaders.You don't build a great empire with weak hearts,you don't build great kingdoms with f ...
read full comment
He stuck to the points except u r too dense to see it. Yes he was overthrown by lesser men. And since then no one has been able to step on the shoes he left. Not the military leaders and not the so called scholars. Even bus ...
read full comment
What happened to your courageous coup plotters including Kotoka and Afrifa?
And which of your "City Messiahs" has managed to achieve the global status given Nkrumah, your "Village Messiah"?
In this case, repeating has important didactic purposes!
Just a "miserable" 10 days ago....
"...02/03/2015 - Professor Kofane Timoleon Crepin and Dr. Felix Kembe Assah are the winners of the 2014, African Union/ World A ...
read full comment
how anyone can question nkrumah`s greatness is beyond comprehension.the guy was simply a one off.ghana is blessed to have had such a person to be born to us.everything about the guy is unique.may the lord continue to bless hi ...
read full comment
Dear Readers,
This extract is from Democracy Now, March 6, 2007, titled "Ghana Celebrates 50 Years of Independence: Pan-Africanism Leader Kwame Nkrumah in His Own Words & His Son Gamal Nkrumah Reflects on His Father's Lega ...
read full comment
Thank you for your series on this project - justification of the PDA. And thanks for making the rest of us benefit from your extensive reading of our history. I have only a few comments:
1. When you write:
"Finally, contr ...
read full comment
Thank you,INXS.With reference to the excesses of the PDA,it was unfortunate that more than half of the detainees were neither criminals nor suspects.Some irresposible Ghanaian Government officials and Security forces took adv ...
read full comment
So, I ask INXS, what is your opinion about the patriot Act of the US and its heavy-handed treatment of terrorists?
Much as I think that every period and nation has its own peculiar obligations to deal with treason and sedi ...
read full comment
INXS,
Your rants do not say a damn thing. It does not undo the fact that the PDA was the best thing Ghana EVER had (collateral damage is bound to happen in such situations for whatever reasons). Thus, I will defend the PDA ...
read full comment
I don't think you have answered the specific issues I raised. Instead, you are arguing as if I said the PDA was a bad law, globally (I never said that) or that I am an opponent (nothing I said indicates that). And note too th ...
read full comment
INXS,
I believe I have given you more than I should.
Please go back and read the articles, particularly this one, the third, again. I also used the phrase "general good" to describe the benefits Ghanaians, Ghana, Afric ...
read full comment
"I say to you publicly and frankly; The burden of suffering that must be borne, impose it upon one generation!
Do not, with the false kindness of the missionaries and the businessmen, drag out this agony for another 500 y ...
read full comment
Dear Brother Kasapreko 111,
I am grateful to have you as one of my able teachers, professors, and mentors, please whoever you are. You make me so proud. And I am deeply proud of you.
You also make me so proud, thus mak ...
read full comment