The flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for a new spirit of reconciliation between the country's two famous political traditions- the Convention People's Party (CPP) and the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).

Nana Akufo-Addo said the two traditions must unite to face the teething developmental challenges crippling the country.

He was speaking at a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr JB Danquah.

Described as the doyen of Ghana's politics, Dr JB Danquah, a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) died under very bizarre circumstances in the dungeons of the Nsawam prison.

Under the Preventive Detention Act which was executed and abused by the Nkrumah-led government, Dr JB Danquah was bundled and tossed into the Nsawam Prisons on suspicion he was plotting to overthrow the then government.

He died a painful death after several appeals to Dr Nkrumah to release him fell on deaf ears.

His death appeared to have worsened the existing acrimony between the UGCC and the CPP.

Apostles of the doctrines of Danquah  accuse Dr Kwame Nkrumah of betraying the cause of the UGCC when he broke away to form the CPP.

Nkrumah had been invited from his base in the United States and was appointed General Secretary of the UGCC which was formed in 1947.

He would later form his own party in 1949 after differences emerged between leaders of the first political party.

Tension had existed between the two rich political traditions but the luxury of time perhaps has reduced that acrimony.

On an occasion to mark the 50th Anniversary of the death of Dr JB Danquah, the flagbearer of the NPP Nana Akufo-Addo extended an olive branch to the CPP and the followers of Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

The NPP has its apron strings tied to the UGCC and its supporters see JB Danquah as leader of many great talents. 

"We have forgiven you," Nana Akufo-Addo told the family of Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Describing JB Danquah as a patriot, a writer, a consummate politician and a peacemaker, the NPP leader charged all Ghanaians to unite in the fight for greater economic independence.

The anniversary ceremony was attended by some key  leaders of the NPP,  including ex-president John Kufuor. Three of the surviving victims of the PDA, Sheik IC Quaye, Mr Boye Doe and Sophia Yorkor Klo were also present at the ceremony.