GHANA’S LEGACY OF FREEDOM: THE EVERLASTING ECHO OF NKRUMAHISM

Every year on September 21st, the people of Ghana and Pan-Africanists worldwide unite to honor Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s birthday, observed as a national holiday known as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day. His tireless efforts and visionary ideals remain a source of inspiration, and he is affectionately referred to as “Osagyefo,” a title meaning “the savior” in Akan, a widely spoken language in Ghana.

As we commemorate Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, it serves as a poignant reminder of the monumental responsibility to uphold Nkrumahism for future generations. Despite his pivotal role in history, it is crucial to assess whether today’s youth truly grasp and engage with the principles of Nkrumahism. This article delves into the perspectives and knowledge of some Ghanaian youth in Accra regarding Nkrumahism, gleaned through interviews conducted on the city streets.

Kwame Nkrumah announcing independence for Ghana.

The Visionary Behind a Unified Africa

The stirring words “Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever” were declared by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah during the dawning of Ghana’s independence. These words continue to echo not only within the borders of Ghana but also resonate across the African continent and beyond. They signify the culmination of a strenuous struggle for freedom spearheaded by Nkrumah and other African liberation figures.

Nkrumah believed in the dream of a unified Africa – a continent free from external control, bound together by shared history, culture, and goals. His unwavering belief in the possibility of a singular Africa drove his policies and leadership style, ultimately leading to what scholars term “Nkrumahism.” This ideology draws from Marxist-Leninist theory but adapts it to suit Africa’s unique socio-political landscape. Nkrumahism embodies Pan-African unity, economic self-reliance, and the rejection of imperialism.

Yet, decades after his leadership, we are left to ask: Do today’s youth fully grasp or engage with Nkrumahism’s principles?

Kwame Nkrumah walking with a crowd

Exploring Nkrumahism Through the Eyes of the Youth

Stephen, a 28-year-old teacher in Accra, believes Nkrumahism encapsulates Africa’s relentless struggle for independence. To him, Nkrumah’s dream of a united, borderless Africa parallels the structure of the United States, where individual states unite for the greater good. “I think his vision of a strong, united Africa would have spared us the economic difficulties we face now,” he said. “We could have been stronger together, politically and economically.”

Esther, a 23-year-old student, offered a more reflective perspective. While she admitted to never giving Nkrumahism much thought, she agreed that a unified Africa, as Nkrumah envisioned, could have accelerated the continent’s development. “Imagine what it would have been like if we all moved in the same direction,” she remarked. “We could have built something incredible.”

People visiting the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

Esther also shared how Nkrumah’s legacy loomed large in her childhood. “Growing up, Nkrumah was this larger-than-life figure. Everywhere you went, there were statues, speeches, and references to him. He was the man who made everything possible.” Stephen, on the other hand, recalls hearing tales of Ghana’s Independence Day from his grandmother. “She described how brightly Nkrumah and his team shone on that day when they delivered the independence speech. To her and me, he is ‘Osagyefo,’ our savior.”

The Challenge of Preserving Nkrumah’s Legacy

In an era dominated by rapid digitalization and global interconnectedness, one might assume that access to information about Nkrumah and his ideals would be readily available. While this is true, Stephen expressed concern about the fading awareness of Nkrumahism among today’s younger generations.

As an educator, he grapples with the reality that many of his students seem detached from the rich history of their country. “The internet has made the world a global village,” Stephen remarked, “but it’s also made a lot of young people uninterested in their history. I try to teach them about Nkrumah whenever I get the chance because I believe the only way forward is to learn from the past.”

Artwork of Kwame Nkrumah at the Memorial Park

Esther, however, disagreed with Stephen’s pessimism, believing that Nkrumah’s legacy was too significant to fade away. “He left a mark on Africa and the world. His contributions to our independence and his fight for a united Africa are things future generations must never forget. I hope they learn as much as they can about him and his work.”

Nkrumah’s Impact: A Legacy for All Generations

Nkrumah’s enduring influence is undeniable. His vision of a free, united Africa still reverberates across the continent, fueling modern-day movements that aim to dissolve colonial-era borders and build stronger African partnerships. His firm stance against dependence on foreign aid, his Pan-African policies, and his commitment to Ghana’s development set the foundation for the country’s economic, political, and cultural progress.

However, Nkrumah’s ideas were not without controversy. His push for rapid industrialization and his approach to governance were often seen as authoritarian. Despite this, Nkrumahism continues to challenge the way Africans view themselves within the global order. Its core message – that unity is the path to true independence – remains as relevant today as it was in Nkrumah’s time.

Kwame Nkrumah at a durbar

The Road Ahead: Unity as the Test of Time

As we commemorate Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, we are reminded of the immense task that lies ahead in keeping Nkrumahism alive for future generations. The question posed by Stephen and Esther is crucial: Will Nkrumah’s legacy endure?

For Stephen, the answer lies in education. “If we want Nkrumah’s legacy to survive, we must teach it to our children. We must make sure they understand the value of his ideals, and how those ideals can guide us in building a better future for Africa.”

Esther shares this hope but with a sense of optimism. “Nkrumah isn’t just a figure in our history. He is a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together. As long as we remember his teachings, we can strive to build the Africa he envisioned – one without borders, united in purpose.”

A Beacon of Hope and Resilience

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was, is, and will forever be a beacon of hope, perseverance, and resilience. He challenged not just Ghanaians, but Africans and the world, to aspire for more – to dream of a better, united future. While his vision of a single, united Africa may not have materialized as he hoped, the essence of his ideas lives on.

Kwame Nkrumah with the late Queen Elizabeth

Nkrumahism, in all its forms, teaches us that unity and self-reliance are the cornerstones of true independence. And though not everyone may agree with his ideologies, it is undeniable that only through unity can we stand the test of time.

As we reflect on his life and legacy, let us remind ourselves of the power of collective action, the value of self-reliance, and the unyielding spirit that led us to freedom. In the words of Osagyefo himself: “Forward ever, backward never!”