Ghanaian political figures and diplomats gathered at the Accra International Conference Centre on February 20 2025 to honour the late Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, Namibia’s first president.

The memorial, organised by the Namibian High Commission in Ghana, recognised his role in Namibia’s independence and Africa’s broader liberation struggles.

Dr. Nujoma, who passed away on 8th February at age 95, was a key figure in Namibia’s fight against colonial rule and a strong advocate for African unity.

The event brought together dignitaries, including former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Samia Nkrumah, veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr and Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin among others.

Tributes to an African statesman

In his remarks, former President Kufuor described Dr. Nujoma as a leader whose courage and vision reshaped the history of Namibia and Africa.

“Dr. Nujoma was more than a political leader; he was a symbol of resilience and self-sacrifice. As Namibia’s first president, he transformed a newly independent nation into a beacon of hope and stability.

His dedication to justice and unity resonated across the continent,” he said.

Kufuor recalled conferring Ghana’s highest national honour, the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana, on Dr. Nujoma in 2004.

“This award reflected Ghana’s deep respect for a man who devoted his life to the pursuit of freedom. His legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of the Namibian people and all Africans,” he added.

Samia Nkrumah, daughter of Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, spoke about the historical bond between Ghana and Namibia’s liberation movement.

“I had the honour of meeting Dr. Nujoma in 2010 when he visited Ghana. He spoke passionately about his first encounter with my father during the All-African Peoples’ Conference.

That meeting, where freedom fighters from across the continent gathered, left a lasting impact on him. He always recognised Ghana not just for its words of encouragement but for its active role in supporting southern African liberation movements,” she said.

She noted Ghana’s contributions, including travel assistance, media advocacy, and diplomatic backing for liberation fighters.

“Ghana helped push resolutions at the United Nations and mobilised independent African states to support those still under colonial rule. This solidarity made a difference. Dr. Nujoma believed that unity and shared purpose were the forces that brought victory,” she added.

Referring to the phrase “Nkrumah never dies,” she extended the sentiment to Dr. Nujoma.

“We do not speak of the mortal man but of the ideals and principles he stood for. Sam Nujoma never dies. His courage and determination remain with us, and may his legacy continue to inspire African unity and progress,” she concluded.

A fearless revolutionary

Veteran journalist and Secretary-General of the Socialist Movement of Ghana, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., described Dr Nujoma as a leader who never bowed to external pressure.

“He taught us that Africa must choose its own path. He defied global superpowers, stood by Cuba’s revolution, and saluted the sacrifices made by Cuban internationalist forces in Angola and Namibia.

He insisted that Africans must control their own resources and break free from economic domination,” Mr Pratt Jnr said.

He added that Dr. Nujoma was not afraid to speak hard truths about Africa’s challenges.

“He saw leadership as a duty to serve the people, not as a means to amass wealth or power. He lived modestly, fought tirelessly, and remained committed to the liberation and dignity of Africans,” Mr Pratt Jnr stated.

Ghana and Namibia’s enduring ties

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, speaking at the memorial, reflected on the long-standing relationship between Ghana and Namibia.

“For us in Ghana, the legacies of President Nujoma and President Nkrumah are intertwined. Ghana stood by Namibia’s independence struggle, providing political, material, and moral support. In 1966, when Namibia was still under apartheid rule, Dr. Nujoma visited Ghana to seek support. President Nkrumah reaffirmed Ghana’s solidarity, reinforcing the strong bond between our nations,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa recalled Dr Nujoma’s return visit in 2004, this time as president of an independent Namibia, to strengthen ties and explore cooperation in education and technology.

“The connection between our two countries goes beyond diplomacy; it is rooted in a shared vision of African unity and self-determination,” he noted.

Namibia honours a national hero

Namibia’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, expressed her country’s gratitude for Ghana’s support.

“The passing of President Nujoma marks the end of an era. He was one of the last icons of Africa’s liberation struggle and a founding leader of the African Union. His legacy will endure for generations,” she said.

She reflected on his unwavering commitment to Namibia’s independence and African unity.

“He understood that the struggle was not about personal glory but about the dignity of the Namibian people and Africans as a whole. He was a strategist, a humble intellectual, and a fearless advocate for his country. Even the apartheid regime feared the name Sam Nujoma,” she stated.

Ashipala-Musavyi also expressed his dedication to education.

"He did not just speak about education; he pursued it. At the age of 80, he earned a master’s degree in geology from the University of Namibia. His thirst for knowledge and belief in self-reliance were unwavering,” she added.

Farewell to a liberation hero

Memorial services have been held across Namibia, with an official state funeral scheduled for 1st March 2025.

The Namibian government has allocated N$7 million for regional memorial events, allowing citizens nationwide to pay their respects.