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Ghana observes Founders’ Day

The list of men and women who fought tooth and nail to secure for Ghana the title of independence is not exhaustive. They included market women, ordinary people and businessmen like Paa Grant.

However, when the independence of Ghana is mentioned, six outstanding men come into sharp focus as having held the baton and took the freedom of Ghana to the finish line but others too in small or significant ways were part of the “freedom fight” and indeed deserve celebration.

The 4th of August; Founder’s Day since 2019 has become a day designated for such august memorial for our forefathers, especially the Big Six who were also the founding members of the first political party, the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in Ghana, then Gold Coast; namely Ebenezer Ako-Adjei –founding member of UGCC, Edward Akufo-Addo – founding member of the UGCC and subsequently Chief Justice of Ghana and President of Ghana, Joseph Boakye Danquah – founding member of the UGCC, Kwame Nkrumah – Prime Minister of Ghana and first president of Ghana, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, founding member of the UGCC and William Ofori Atta – founding member of the UGCC.

In a recent lecture to commemorate the day in Accra, the Speaker of Parliament Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye noted that, “A recap of the chronology of events showed that before the arrival of Nkrumah, some gallant men were taking steps to lead Ghana to independence. If something had not been founded, what was Nkrumah brought down for? If there was nothing, what was he to come and help to consolidate?”

According to him, “Nkrumah did not alone compose the classical sonata and constitute the orchestra which sang Ghana’s clarion call to independence in sweet melody, all in two months! The fathers of the nation were there already. They included Paa Grant, J.B. Danquah, Akufo-Addo, Ako Adjei, Obetsebi Lamptey and William Ofori-Atta.”

There has been a debate however, over whether or not Nkrumah should be credited with founding Ghana or not. The debate, is mostly between the Nkrumahist and the Danquah-Busia political traditions.

The debate stems from the March 2019 public holiday amendments HYPERLINK “https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_(law)” bill which was proposed by the President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo and subsequently passed into HYPERLINK “https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law” \o “Law” law that 4th August be designated as Founders’ Day to recognise all other contributors in the independence struggle whilst 21st September (previously Founder’s Day) as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day. The Founders’ Day is reserved to celebrate the people( HYPERLINK “https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Six_(Ghana)” \o “The Big Six (Ghana)” The Big Six) who led Ghana to independence whilst Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day is reserved for Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the leader of the movement towards independence of Ghana to commemorate his birthday, the bill explained.

By Spectator Reporter

News

Oguaa holds durbar to climax Fetu Afahye today

Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II

Fetu Afahye, a unique cultural festival of the chiefs and people of the Oguaa Traditional Area in the Central Region will be climaxed today.

Unlike previous festivals, this year’s event has so far generated massive patronage throughout the days with merrymaking and other night life activities on some streets of the once capital of the Gold Coast.

The festival which normally witness various cultural performances is held to mark a bumper harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area.

This year’s festival is on the theme: ‘Celebrating the city of the first.’

Today’s durbar of chiefs will be graced by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the special guest. The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, is also expected to attend the climax of the festival.

This year, being an election year will also attract notable political leaders in the country as they are expected to use their presence to increase their appeal among residents and well-wishers.

This year’s festival which is the 60th edition and the 25th anniversary of the installation of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, as Paramount Chief of the Oguaa Traditional Area.

Series of activities were put in place by the organising committee to ensure that this year’s Fetu Afahye leaves a lasting memory in the hearts and minds of residents as well as patrons and well-wishers.

Among some of the activities is the regatta on the Fosu Lagoon which was supported by ATL FM, a University of Cape Coast campus-based radio station.

It was attended by members of the traditional council, residents, and visitors.

The 2024 ATL FM Oguaa Fetu Afahye Regatta is an annual canoe race between the three main Asafo companies namely: Nkum Number 4, Bentsir Number 1, and Anaafo Number 2.

At the end of the regatta, Nkum No 4 came up tops and they received cash, medals and a trophy as their prize.

Anafo Number 2 and Bentsir Number 1 followed in second and third, respectively.

In an interview, a member of the ATL FM Events Committee, Emmanuel Buckman, gave his general impression about the programme, saying the turnout was one of a kind.

The regatta was followed by the Bakatue (the “opening of the lagoon”) ritual.

Prior to the various programme of activities, there was a special homecoming carnival and a drama night to officially kick-start the celebration of the festival.

The event attracted splendid performances from notable groups including masquerades.

One of the outstanding performances was by Cape Vibes Brass Band as they rendered captivating renditions of various songs to the admiration of all.

From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast

News

Rain Foundation honours 20 heroes in America

Many turned up as 20 Predecetssors from various fields of endeavour were honoured by the Rain Foundation in the United States of America last Saturday, August 31.

The ceremony was emotionally fulfilling and spiritually lifting as many felt their hard work over the years did not go unnoticed

The Predecessors Awards Worldwide of Relevant Achievers Impacting Nations (RAIN) is targeted at honouring heroes in society and immortalising their legacies through books and projects.

Mr Johnny Ford, Founder of the World Conference of Mayors, commended Author Ralph Antwi, Founding President of RAIN Foundations, and his team for their great vision and efforts to honour heroes around the world.

Mr Jimmie Gardner, President of the World Conference of Mayors, also commended the team, and encouraged the guests present to visit Ghana as it was one of the best places in Africa.

In all, 12 women and eight men were honoured. The next edition of Prestigious Annual Predecessors Awards (PAPA) 2024 would be the Europe edition to be held in Paris on November 11.

On the same day will be the International Youth Shakers Conclave, a historic event in honour of the Predecessors Awards Worldwide’s Succession projects.

Author Ralph announced that there would be the maiden edition of the Global Youth Shakers Awards on the same day.

According to the organisers, nominations are open till September 10, 2024.

By Edem Tsortsorm