Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, a pivotal figure in Ghana’s political landscape and constitutional development, was recently honored on the 60th anniversary of his passing. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, speaking at the commemorative event, emphasized the significance of remembering Dr. Danquah not merely as a historical figure, but as a source of enduring inspiration and a call to uphold the democratic principles he championed. He painted a vibrant portrait of Dr. Danquah’s multifaceted contributions, describing him not only as a scholar, politician, and statesman, but also as a poet, playwright, and chronicler of Ghanaian history, customs, and traditions. Afenyo-Markin stressed that Dr. Danquah’s legacy resides in the foundational principles of Ghana’s democracy: democratic accountability, free enterprise, free expression, and the rule of law, all enshrined in the Fourth Republican Constitution – principles for which he tirelessly fought, ultimately sacrificing his life.
Afenyo-Markin underscored that commemorating Dr. Danquah transcends mere rhetoric and necessitates action. He urged Ghanaians to actively safeguard the freedoms that Dr. Danquah fought for, advocating for the preservation of justice, the strengthening of institutions, and ensuring that the injustices suffered by Dr. Danquah are never repeated. He called upon Ghanaians to embody the values that Dr. Danquah tirelessly championed, transforming remembrance into a catalyst for positive change and the continued advancement of Ghana’s democratic ideals. He framed the act of remembering as a call to responsibility, urging active participation in upholding the freedoms Dr. Danquah secured for the nation.
A significant portion of Afenyo-Markin’s address focused on dispelling the persistent misinformation surrounding Dr. Danquah’s life and legacy. He directly addressed a recent incident in Parliament where a member of the Majority falsely accused Dr. Danquah of being a CIA spy, a claim that Afenyo-Markin vehemently refuted. He pointed out the irony of the accusation, referencing the accuser’s flawed citation of a book that, in reality, lauded Dr. Danquah’s contributions to Ghanaian politics. This incident, according to Afenyo-Markin, exemplifies the ongoing campaign to distort Dr. Danquah’s legacy.
Afenyo-Markin highlighted the historical parallels between the contemporary attacks on Dr. Danquah’s character and similar accusations he faced during his lifetime. He recounted an instance where Dr. Danquah’s efforts to secure funding from Britain for the Accra Sports Stadium were twisted by opponents, who falsely claimed he and other members of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) had been bribed to abandon the independence struggle. This historical anecdote served to illustrate the enduring pattern of misrepresentation and smear campaigns that have plagued Dr. Danquah and those associated with him. He argued these narratives, often rooted in political motivations, ultimately undermine the nation’s understanding of its own history.
Afenyo-Markin expressed his deep concern over the persistence of this “hate campaign,” which he characterized as unprecedented in its duration and intensity. He lamented the fact that Dr. Danquah and his associates, who contributed significantly to public service and the betterment of Ghana, have been subjected to relentless and unfounded attacks, despite their patriotic sacrifices. This continued defamation, in Afenyo-Markin’s view, not only disrespects Dr. Danquah’s legacy, but also undermines the principles of fairness and truth in public discourse.
In his concluding remarks, Afenyo-Markin made a powerful appeal for unity and a renewed commitment to the principles of democracy. He challenged Ghanaians to transcend divisive narratives and to reject hate campaigns, regardless of their target. He urged the nation to prioritize the love and dignity of Ghana and Africa above individual differences, recognizing that shared values and aspirations outweigh the divisive agendas of those who seek to weaken the nation. His message emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in preserving Dr. Danquah’s legacy and ensuring that the democratic foundations he laid remain strong for generations to come.
