By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo
Tema, July 6, GNA – The AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC), an African governance think tank, has appealed to the Government to confer a state honour on the late George Alfred Paa Grant, a nationalist for his contribution to Ghana’s independence struggle.
The appeal was contained in a memorandum addressed to the Presidency through the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, requesting national recognition for Paa Grant, whom the organisation described as the initiator and financier of the nationalist movement that culminated in Ghana’s independence.
The memorandum, signed by Mr Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg, Leader of ACUC, said Paa Grant founded and became the first President of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947 and committed his personal resources to the struggle for self-government.
According to the Consult, Paa Grant played a pivotal role in convening the historic meeting at Saltpond in April 1947, which led to the formation of the UGCC. It noted that he subsequently invited Dr J. B. Danquah and later Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah to join efforts aimed at advancing the nationalist cause.
The group described Paa Grant as a successful entrepreneur, parliamentarian and nationalist whose commitment to national development and self-determination helped shape Ghana’s political history.
ACUC expressed concern over reports that Paa Grant’s grave at Axim had deteriorated, saying the situation underscored the need to preserve the legacy of one of Ghana’s foremost nationalists.
The Consult said honouring Paa Grant would promote a more inclusive account of Ghana’s independence history by recognising the contributions of all individuals who played significant roles in the country’s liberation struggle.
It recommended the restoration and preservation of Paa Grant’s gravesite as a national heritage site, the institution of an annual memorial lecture or commemorative day in his honour, and the erection of a national monument in Accra or Sekondi to celebrate his contribution to Ghana’s freedom struggle.
The memorandum also proposed the integration of Paa Grant’s contributions into educational curricula to provide future generations with a more balanced understanding of Ghana’s political history.
ACUC stressed that recognising Paa Grant would not diminish the achievements of other nationalist leaders but would rather acknowledge the collective sacrifices and efforts that secured Ghana’s independence.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo