The debate of finding a befitting monument to christen after J.B. Danquah, one of Ghana’s founding fathers still rages on with no end in sight.
However, in as much as I would agree with the numerous clarion calls for immortalizing the doyen of Ghanaian Politics, I do not necessarily agree to the calls by Dr. Okoampah Ahoofe for the University of Ghana to be renamed after J.B Danquah considering the nature of our body politic in the country. In my view, attempts to name the University of Ghana after the doyen of Ghana Politics has a tendency of spewing tribal and political tensions in the country especially in an era where the national politics of our country has polarized its citizens along political and tribal lines not oblivious of what J.B. Danquah had stood for in terms of political ideologies and those who represent the Ideals of J.B. Danquah today. It would only be hypocritical on our part to brush of this salient point under the carpet as we have in most cases failed to take the bull by the horn in analyzing and discussing issues of national interest as a country and people.
I would rather a new national institution or better still a yet to be christened befitting monument be named after Danquah. This can be any of the new interchanges currently under construction in the national capital, Kumasi or even the one in Suhum or better still the government can establish a new university altogether in the Eastern Region and christen it J.B. Danquah University etc. I would also encourage that independent bodies be established to oversee matters concerning honouring our national heroes so as to tone down the political and tribal sentiments that had always associated naming monuments after deserving national heroes.
On a lighter note, I was really much disappointed when I read the comments associated with Okoampah Kwame Ahoofe’s article which appeared on MyJoyOnline on this same issue. The question being asked is this: does J.B. Danquah’s political opposition to Kwame Nkrumah necessarily make him a traitor? Is that to suggest that our opposition leaders over the years ( some of who have even become presidents) can be classified as traitors simply because they were/are opposed to government of the day? I think that is an unfair judgment, very apologetic and a non-starter on the debate of whether J.B. Danquah should be named after the University of Ghana or not.
Beyond J.B. Danquah, I think there are a host of other national heroes who must also be immortalized for their immense sacrifices and contributions to the development of the country. Amongst them is William Ofori Atta another member of the ‘big six’, whose centenary celebration is currently ongoing under the distinguished patronage of the Okyenhene; others are our former presidents, Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey, Arku Korsah among others. I think as a nation, people who had over the years sacrificed or contributed immensely towards our development must be honoured to encourage selflessness and patriotism amongst our citizenry.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Expect more drama at Big Chef Tertiary S2 finale – Producer hints
18 seconds -
Lampard appointed Coventry head coach
18 mins -
Supporting engagement and building trust between public and private sectors in Africa
1 hour -
I’m tactically ready to coach the Black Stars – Ignatius Osei-Fosu
1 hour -
Follow-On Finance Initiative launched to empower Ghanaian entrepreneurs
1 hour -
MTN Ghana Celebrates 60 MoMo agents and 30 merchants in Wester, Western North and Central regions
1 hour -
Leasing companies record lowest lending rate of 13.8%; MFIs highest with nearly 50% – BoG
2 hours -
Sudan’s target is to win 2025 AFCON – Ignatius Osei-Fosu
2 hours -
Jubilee Oil Field production slows to 89,0000bpd due to challenges with some wells
2 hours -
Rodri targets Man City return before end of season
4 hours -
Aston Villa denied victory over Juventus by late VAR verdict
5 hours -
Today’s front pages: Thursday, November 28, 2024
5 hours -
Mahama isn’t close to Akufo-Addo in terms of hospital infrastructure – NEIP CEO
5 hours -
Newmont’s Foundation commissions ¢2.7m multi-purpose block at Yamfo College of Health
5 hours -
About 64.4% of Ghanaians encourage spreading of fake news – Study
6 hours