Former Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has called on Ghanaians and Africans to recognise the contribution of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, despite political differences over his record.
Speaking at a ceremony marking Nkrumah’s 117th birthday anniversary at Nkroful, Dr Prempeh said disagreements over governance, economic policy and national development were a normal part of democratic politics.
“We may disagree and will continue to disagree on the mechanics of governance, on economic policy, and on the pace and shape of development. That is the nature of democracy, and Ghana is stronger for it,” he said.
Dr Prempeh, however, said the contributions of certain national figures should be considered beyond partisan politics.
He described Nkrumah as a “generational thinker”, “liberation icon” and an “architect of Ghana’s nation building”.
“Nkroful gave Ghana a son, but Africa and the world gained a generational thinker, a liberation icon, and an architect of Ghana’s nation building,” he said.
Dr Prempeh said Nkrumah’s Pan-African vision and role in Ghana’s independence had contributed to the country’s place on the international stage.
He urged Ghanaians to honour the former president’s contribution while continuing to debate his political and economic record.
“True patriotism demands that we rise above partisan narrowness to honour those who laid the bedrock upon which our present democracy and national identity rests,” he said.
He also called on Ghanaians to use the occasion to renew their commitment to patriotism, national unity, selfless service and development.
Dr Prempeh further praised Energy Minister Armah-Kofi Buah, the chief convener of the annual Journey to Nkroful Festival, for inviting him to the event despite their political differences.
He said the gesture showed that the festival could provide a platform for people from different political traditions to celebrate Ghana’s shared history.
“That an invitation was extended to me across the aisle of politics to stand on this platform today reminds us that this festival is not a partisan rally, but a national altar of celebration,” he said.
Dr Prempeh said the example should encourage Ghanaians to recognise positive contributions across political traditions while maintaining a sense of national unity.
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