The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, commemorated Dr. JB Danquah’s legacy during a 60th anniversary event on March 9, 2025, recognizing his sacrifice and vision in founding Ghana’s democracy. Danquah was instrumental in the UGCC and fought for freedoms that are enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, marking him as a foundational figure in Ghana’s political history.
Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, recently honored Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, a distinguished member of the ‘Big Six’ in Ghana’s independence struggle, at an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of his death. Speaking on March 9, 2025, he acknowledged Danquah’s visionary ideals that laid the foundation for the democracy enjoyed in Ghana today.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that Dr. Danquah, a key figure in the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), sacrificed his life for the nation, stating, “Today, we gather in solemn remembrance… of one of Ghana’s most remarkable patriots, Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, who endured the ultimate sacrifice for his love for his country and the freedom of her people. His legacy is woven into the fabric of Ghana’s political, intellectual, and constitutional development.”
The Minority Leader elaborated on Danquah’s multifaceted contributions, saying, “Dr Danquah was more than a scholar, politician, statesman, and advocate. He was a poet, a playwright, and a chronicler of our history, customs, and norms. He was a visionary who dedicated his life to laying the foundational principles of our democracy.”
He further remarked on the freedoms Ghanaians now enjoy, as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution, were the result of sacrifices made by Danquah. Afenyo-Markin reiterated, “Indeed, the principles of democratic accountability, free enterprise, free expression, and the rule of law… are the very ones he fought for… and died for in 1965.”
Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, born in December 1895 and deceased on February 4, 1965, was a prominent nationalist and a principal opposition leader to Kwame Nkrumah. He returned to Ghana after his education in law and philosophy in London and became a significant figure in advocating for constitutional reforms as a member of the Legislative Council.
Danquah co-founded the UGCC, which was pivotal in the demand for self-governance. His political journey included significant events, such as his temporary arrest after the 1948 riots and a presidential run in 1960, where he received only 10% of the vote. He faced imprisonment until his death, leaving behind key writings that contribute to Ghana’s understanding of its laws and customs.
In conclusion, the legacy of Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah is critical to the understanding of Ghana’s democratic evolution. His contributions as a visionary leader and advocate for freedom and constitutional rights continue to resonate today, influencing the ideals enshrined in the nation’s governing document. The commemoration of his life and sacrifices serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of his work on Ghana’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
