J. B. Danquah in his Akim Abuakwa Handbook, published in 1928, states: “The Akan Race claim a historical connection with the ancient Kingdom of Ghana or Khana.” At the time, Danquah had been conducting research with the sole objective of identifying the Gold Coast by a dignified title as the colonial one and fell upon this as a source of inspiration.
His initial suggestion was “Akanland,” since this was a popular language on the coast, with the exception of the Northern Territories and the Ga-Adangbe south-eastern corner on the Coast.
But this was met with a scattering attack in the editorial of West Africa stating - “it would appear that Danquah’s views on nationhood do not extend to the non-Akan population of the Northern Territories.”
As a restless nationalist, and in desperation to contribute to the course of history, the ‘Akuafo Kanea’ later suggested ‘Akan-Ga’ as a possible improvement.
Shortly after this, Dr. Danquah proposed ‘New Ghana’ which he explained exonerated the Coast of a title that “had so much of a taint of the old slavery days.” (’Diary of a Man about Town’, The Times of West Africa, 26 Mar. 1934).
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first African Prime Minister, provided his unwavering support to the intellectual contribution of J. B. Danquah stating that “we take pride in the name, not out of romanticism but as an inspiration for the future.” (Legislative Assembly Debates, 18 May 1956).
Latest Stories
-
Europe Presbytery of PCG donates clinic to Nsaba PRESEC
10 mins -
Korle Bu clarifies reports on cancellation of surgeries
16 mins -
Let’s use film for public education – Ken Fiati
20 mins -
Private schools threaten to boycott BECE, WASSCE over exorbitant charges by WAEC
32 mins -
Enyonam Manye appointed ambassador for CASTNET International Chamber of Commerce; Named among top agric influencers in Africa
36 mins -
The Myth of The Sword of Damocles and Speaker Alban Bagbin’s Pandora Box
41 mins -
2024 polls: Let’s continue to unite in peace – Bawumia to politicians
46 mins -
Patronise local movies to push industry growth – Fella Makafui to public
49 mins -
King Charles visits cancer centre as public engagements resume
51 mins -
GPL: Bashir Hayford delays game against Bechem after sitting in the middle of the pitch
1 hour -
Courage Alormasor: FDA deserves praise for clamp down on unregistered diapers
1 hour -
ISSER Director promotes global collaboration for financial inclusion in Asia
1 hour -
26-year-old JHS dropout sentenced to 15 years for robbery
1 hour -
Yvonne Nelson announces plans for dumsor vigil
2 hours -
Blue Ivy Carter joins mum Beyoncé in Lion King prequel
2 hours