Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin stated that Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah coined the name “Ghana” through extensive research on the country’s heritage. He highlighted Danquah’s efforts prior to independence, which led to a consensus among UGCC leaders to adopt the name. In contrast, historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong refuted this claim, asserting that the name existed before independence and that Danquah had proposed “Akanman.”
In a recent statement, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Member of Parliament for Effutu, attributed the naming of Ghana to the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah. Afenyo-Markin asserted that Dr. Danquah conducted extensive research regarding the various ethnicities present in the then Gold Coast, discovering a connection to the ancient Ghana Empire, which he deemed an appropriate name for the country.
During a commemorative event for Dr. Danquah’s 60th anniversary of passing, Afenyo-Markin emphasized that prior to Ghana’s independence, Dr. Danquah traveled widely, seeking an emblematic name that encapsulated the history and identity of the Gold Coast. He meticulously studied historical texts at the British Museum and other libraries, linking the Gold Coast’s inhabitants to the heritage and strength of the ancient Ghana Empire.
Furthermore, Afenyo-Markin indicated that leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which played a pivotal role in the independence movement, collectively decided to adopt the name “Ghana” to replace “Gold Coast” upon independence in 1957. He noted that this proposal was significant in promoting a shared sense of national identity among the people.
Contrarily, historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong challenged Afenyo-Markin’s claims, stating that the name Ghana predated the country’s independence and was already recognized. Frimpong referenced Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who established the Ghana National College nearly ten years before independence.
Frimpong highlighted that the thesis authored by Danquah indicated a preference for the name “Akanman” for the independent nation, countering assertions that he was solely responsible for the name Ghana. He recounted that in 1955, following a political defeat, Danquah was honored with a title in his home state, but his influence waned thereafter.
Frimpong’s remarks illustrate the ongoing debate regarding the origins of the name Ghana, suggesting that historical narratives may require further examination and acknowledgment of various contributions from different historical figures.
In summary, the discussion surrounding the naming of Ghana remains contentious, with Afenyo-Markin crediting Dr. Danquah for the name based on thorough research into the region’s historical roots. Conversely, Frimpong argues that the name existed earlier and that Danquah preferred an alternative title. This dialogue reflects the complexities of national identity and the pivotal moments in Ghana’s history.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
