By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Ho, Sept. 21, GNA – Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana) has called on Ghanaians to reflect on the ideas and legacy of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah as the country marks his 117th birthday.
Mr Richard Kasu, Executive of CFF-Ghana, made the call in a statement issued in Ho to commemorate Dr Nkrumah, who was born on September 21, 1909, at Nkroful in the Western Region.
The statement described Dr Nkrumah as a key figure in Ghana’s independence struggle and the broader Pan-African movement, saying his vision continued to generate discussion on national development, African unity and economic self-reliance.
It said CFF-Ghana remembered Dr Nkrumah for his contribution to Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957, and his advocacy for the political liberation and unity of Africa.
The organisation also cited his emphasis on industrialisation and national development, referencing major projects and initiatives associated with his administration, including the Akosombo Dam, Tema Harbour, Tema Motorway, industrial establishments, education and healthcare.
According to the statement, Dr Nkrumah’s writings and advocacy on neo-colonialism and economic independence remained relevant to contemporary debates about Africa’s development and economic sovereignty.
CFF-Ghana, however, expressed concern about what it described as persistent economic and social challenges facing Ghana, including youth unemployment, economic difficulties, the decline of some state-owned industries and concerns about foreign control of natural resources.
The organisation therefore urged Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to revisit Dr Nkrumah’s ideas on the African personality and study Nkrumaism as part of efforts to understand and address national and continental challenges.
It also called for national unity, urging citizens to reject tribalism and divisive tendencies and to place national identity and interests above sectional considerations.
CFF-Ghana further urged citizens to participate actively in efforts to address corruption, economic mismanagement and what it described as neo-colonial influences, while encouraging continued reflection on Ghana’s development path.
Mr Kasu said the organisation believed that the commemoration provided an opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on Dr Nkrumah’s contribution to Ghana’s independence and his wider Pan-African vision.
He urged stakeholders to draw lessons from the country’s history and contribute to building a Ghana that could achieve greater economic self-reliance and improved opportunities for its citizens.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade