Renowned historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong argues that the Danquah-Busia Tradition in Ghana is a fictional concept created by a faction of the New Patriotic Party to diminish Ashanti influence in politics. He highlights historical inconsistencies and questions the leadership choices made by the Ashanti faction during pivotal moments in Ghana’s political history.
Yaw Anokye Frimpong, a respected legal practitioner and historian, asserts that the concept of the Danquah-Busia Tradition in Ghanaian political history is a construct. He claims that it was invented by a faction within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to undermine Ashanti dominance in the political discourse of Ghana. Frimpong made these remarks during a recent interview on Onua TV, highlighting the Akyem faction’s motives for fabricating this tradition to gain political relevance.
Frimpong pointed out historical events, especially the secession movements following the 1951 elections, to illustrate his argument. Notably, he questioned why J.B. Danquah was not recognized as the leader of the secessionist National Liberation Movement (NLM) despite being alive at the time. He stated, “There is nothing in Ghana called the Danquah-Busia Tradition; it is a lie. It was the supporters of J.B. Danquah, led by Adu-Boahen, who tricked the Ashantis.”
Furthermore, he stressed that J.B. Danquah was not affiliated with the NLM or the United Party (UP), which undermines the existence of the tradition. Frimpong elaborated that the Ashantis could organize themselves effectively to determine presidential candidates and that the idea of a Danquah-Busia Tradition came from the Akyem Abuakwa royal house rather than historical fact.
Frimpong reiterated that the Ashantis selected Busia as their leader during the founding of their political parties, instead of Danquah, who was a distinguished figure with significant qualifications. He emphasized the misunderstanding of Danquah’s role, citing the goals of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which sought independence primarily for coastal states and excluded other regions. According to him, “The other regions were not included.”
This perspective on Ghana’s political history sheds light on the complex dynamics between various factions, and challenges the established narratives that have predominated discussions surrounding the Danquah-Busia Tradition. Frimpong’s insights provoke a reevaluation of historical allegiances and the significance of individuals in Ghana’s political evolution.
Historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong challenges the legitimacy of the Danquah-Busia Tradition, arguing it is a fictional construct meant to counter Ashanti political influence. He elucidates that historical evidence and the affiliation of key political figures like J.B. Danquah do not support its existence. His analysis calls for a critical assessment of Ghana’s political history and the motivations behind prevailing narratives.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
