Vice President of IMANI Africa, Selorm Branttie, has condemned what he calls attempts by some persons to alter Ghana's historical records to achieve their parochial interest.

His remark is in response to President Akufo-Addo’s recent statement rejecting the notion that Ghana was solely founded by Kwame Nkrumah. Akufo-Addo highlighted that the struggle for Ghana's independence was a collective effort spanning several generations.

“I speak to you this evening, rejecting completely, the notion that Ghana was founded by one man. While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable, it is important to acknowledge for ourselves that respect that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations,” President Akufo-Addo said.

But Mr Branttie emphasised that Ghana's first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, was instrumental in establishing Ghana as a republic in 1960.

In an interview with Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, Mr Branttie acknowledged President Akufo-Addo's view but emphasised Nkrumah's unique role. “There might be historical perspectives that I am unaware of, but the records show that one person, Kwame Nkrumah, was pivotal in advocating for self-government,” he said.

Mr Branttie elaborated, noting that Nkrumah was the key figure who initiated the call for self-government, faced imprisonment for his activism, and mobilized national support, compelling the colonial administration to grant self-governance. “Nkrumah demanded immediate self-government and took decisive action. Others did not; some even criticized him. Now, those who opposed him cannot claim a share in his achievements,” he argued.

“He [President Akufo-Addo] might have some historical perspective that I don’t know, but what has been recorded there was only one person who created the advocacy for self-government."
He further stressed the importance of acknowledging historical facts. “People have done those actions and they were recorded, let’s not try to change what is there to satisfy somebody’s failure or family reputation.

“What is it is what it is, Nkrumah’s advocacy for immediate self-government was crucial. Without his decisive actions, Ghana might not have become a republic in 1960. His efforts marked a significant turning point in our nation’s history.”

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