Former President Akufo-Addo highlighted Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah’s significant contributions to Ghana’s development at a remembrance service, condemning derogatory remarks made against him. He emphasized the importance of the rule of law for liberty and launched a compendium honoring Danquah’s legacy. Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin supported this message, calling for unity and an end to hate speech in Ghanaian politics.
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has underscored the substantial contributions of Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah to the political landscape of Ghana. He expressed a call to cease name-calling and derogatory remarks concerning the late Dr. Danquah, a revered statesman and one of the Big Six figures in Ghana’s history. This statement came in light of recent allegations against Tamale Central MP Murtala Mohammed, who reportedly labeled Dr. Danquah a “traitor” during parliamentary proceedings on February 4, 2025, leading to a petition from the Coalition for Youth Development in Okyeman to the Speaker of Parliament.
During the 60th Anniversary Remembrance Service at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Kyebi, former President Akufo-Addo highlighted Dr. Danquah’s unwavering advocacy for the rule of law as essential for liberty and individual freedom, which he emphasized is crucial to Ghana’s political evolution. He referenced that Dr. Danquah’s calls for entrenching the rule of law in Ghana’s governance are pivotal to maintaining freedom and should not be forsaken.
Additionally, the former President launched a collection of 60 commemorative statements acknowledging Dr. Danquah’s legacy, noting that despite his significant contributions, his name often remains mired in unnecessary controversy. Meanwhile, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, denounced the derogatory remarks directed at Dr. Danquah in Parliament and condemned the recent occupation of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s residence.
Afenyo-Markin urged Ghanaian citizens to reject hate speech and to embrace national unity for progress. He pointed out the enduring smear campaign against Dr. Danquah and his associates, stating, “Since the 1940s, no group of people has suffered a smear campaign… against Daddy Danquah and his people.” He concluded by highlighting the ongoing struggle for democracy and the necessity of prioritizing unity above division in advancing Ghana’s future.
In conclusion, former President Akufo-Addo’s remarks at Dr. J. B. Danquah’s remembrance service reaffirm the need to recognize the contributions of historical figures to Ghana’s development while encouraging a cessation of derogatory language in political discourse. The call for unity and the denunciation of hate speech by leaders emphasizes the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue within Ghana’s democratic framework.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
