By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 1st September, 2025
Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, has been a true pacesetter for African Democracy. His character, personality and steadfast spirit is one for every Freedom Giant to learn from, and walk with, in this Freedom Journey, we walk in. Dr. Nkrumah left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. His resolute stand to build a self reliant Africa in the midst of various oppositions and envy, reflected his relentless spirit towards making Africa, a regionalised zone for African Democracy.
Nkrumah’s journey to the presidency was marked by perseverance and determination. He spent time in prison for his activism, including a notable stint in 1950 for his involvement in the Positive Action campaign. Not everyone will want to go through that phase in life. Some will want to escape the hard times and walk in mediocrity. In that, they corrupt the systems. Through the thick and thin, we pave the way. In the midst of the turmoil in prison Dr. Nkrumah’s Convention People’s Party (CPP) secured a majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly in the 1951 general elections, paving the way for his leadership.
Nkrumah’s fight against the systems that proposed constitutions he deemed inadequate demonstrated his commitment to self-governance and African leadership. The transition from the Alan Burns constitution to the Coussey Committee’s proposals did not deter him from pressing on, but rather provoked him to do more and fight for the good of the land. In as much as he was not a part of the Coussey Committee which was established on March 14th, 1949 which was chaired by Sir Coussey and consisted of 38 members including all leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention, he didn’t relent in his radical views and advocacy for independence which was quite different from the UGCC’ s gradual fight for independence. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s CPP played a crucial role in shaping the country’s constitutional framework.
To finance development projects, Kwame Nkrumah’s government sought funding from both Eastern and Western sources. This approach reflected his commitment to non-alignment and his desire to maintain Ghana’s sovereignty. His government implemented various projects, including the Akosombo Dam, a hydroelectric dam on the Volta River, which provided electricity for Ghana’s industrial development. The Tema Harbour, a major port facility, facilitated trade and economic growth. Nkrumah’s government also invested in education and healthcare infrastructure, improving access to these essential services. Dr. Nkrumah knew he was fighting for the masses and for the liberation of posterity and in that matter, never ever recognised opposing views that sought to keep him shut or silent. He was radical and that led to Ghana’s independence on March 6th, 1957.
Nkrumah’s government introduced several new inventions and innovations to Ghana, including the expansion of the country’s transportation network and the establishment of a national airline, Ghana Airways. He also promoted the use of modern agricultural techniques and invested in the development of Ghana’s natural resources, Ghana Airways. He didn’t just come to power. He sought to refine the systems and showcase the reason why indeed Ghana needed to be self-reliant. The creation of an airline, several factories and institutions showcased the mind je had for a socialist and Ghanaian owned and centered Government.
Kwame Nkrumah’s government sought to promote national reconciliation, particularly in the aftermath of the country’s struggle for independence. His efforts aimed to unite Ghanaians and promote a sense of shared purpose. He played a key role in forming various unions, including the Ghanaian All-African People’s Conference, a pan-African organization that aimed to promote African unity and solidarity.
Dr. Nkrumah traveled extensively, meeting with world leaders and participating in international conferences. These meetings helped to promote Ghana’s interests and showcase Nkrumah’s leadership on the global stage. He also hosted several pan-African meetings, including the All-African People’s Conference, which brought together leaders and activists from across the continent.
Dr. Nkrumah’s ideologies were shaped by his commitment to pan-Africanism, socialism, and nationalism. He believed in the importance of African unity, solidarity, and self-determination. His government exercised significant control over the economy and society, reflecting his commitment to socialism and state-led development. His commitment to pan-Africanism, socialism, and nationalism continues to inspire and influence Ghanaian politics and society. Dr. Nkrumah’s personal struggles, including his time in prison and his fight for justice, demonstrate his unwavering commitment to Ghana’s independence and development. His leadership and vision continue to shape Ghana’s identity and inform its development trajectory. Dr. Nkrumah’s socialist system, leadership, and pan-African ideologies continue to inspire and intrigue. Nkrumah’s government implemented a socialist system, emphasizing state control over key sectors of the economy. This approach aimed to promote economic development, reduce inequality, and improve living standards for Ghanaians.
May we all continue to be encouraged to live by the frontiers of such a great leader whose mark has led to the Freedom we live and enjoy as Africans and beyond. Because of Dr. Nkrumah, all citizens even not Africans by blood, classify themselves as Africans because of the Freedom, Dr. Nkrumah sacrificed himself, for towards the change in Africa. Today, Africa can boast because Dr. Nkrumah paved the way!
AFRICAN VOICES INTERNATIONAL, FREEDOM IN AFRICA
