By Nana Asare Baffour
In the annals of Ghanaian history, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stands out as a leader who has uniquely and consistently honoured the legacy of our nation’s founding fathers, particularly Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and a towering figure in Africa’s liberation struggle. Akufo-Addo’s administration has not only acknowledged Nkrumah’s monumental contributions but has also taken concrete steps to immortalize his legacy in a way that no other government has done.
A prime example of this unparalleled recognition is the recent refurbishment and modernization of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra. Established on July 1, 1992, the park had not seen any major renovations until President Akufo-Addo’s government took the initiative to breathe new life into it. This extensive refurbishment, costing approximately US$3.5 million, was part of a broader US$40 million World Bank-funded project aimed at boosting tourism development in Ghana. The newly upgraded park now features state-of-the-art facilities, including a presidential library, a digitalized payment and access system, and an audio-visual tunnel, among others.
This massive investment is a clear demonstration to President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to ensuring that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy is celebrated and preserved for future generations. With the park now expected to attract over one million tourists annually—up from the previous 90,000—it is clear that the government’s efforts are not just symbolic but also practical, positioning the site as a key driver of tourism and national pride.
Furthermore, it was under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership that September 21, the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was formally designated as Nkrumah Memorial Day, a statutory public holiday in Ghana. This bold move ensured that the contributions of Nkrumah would be recognized and celebrated by Ghanaians every year, further entrenching his place in the country’s history.
Critics who have suggested that President Akufo-Addo seeks to rewrite history could not be further from the truth. On the contrary, the President’s actions reflect a deep respect and admiration for Nkrumah’s legacy. By elevating the commemoration of Nkrumah to a national level and investing in the preservation of his memory, Akufo-Addo has demonstrated a commitment to celebrating our past that is unparalleled in Ghana’s history.
It is worth noting that while other political figures and governments have professed their love and admiration for Dr. Nkrumah, none have matched the tangible actions taken by the Akufo-Addo administration. The refurbishment of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the institution of Nkrumah Memorial Day are significant milestones that highlight the President’s dedication to honouring Ghana’s heritage.
In addition to these efforts, the government is also working on developing new museums and tourist attractions across the country, further enhancing Ghana’s position as a leading tourism destination in West Africa. These initiatives are part of a broader vision to ensure that the legacies of all our past leaders are preserved and celebrated, making history a living, breathing part of our national identity.
As we reflect on these achievements, it is clear that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will forever be remembered as the leader who celebrated our past with unprecedented reverence and commitment. His government’s actions speak louder than words, showing that true honour lies in preserving and promoting the legacies of those who came before us. In this regard, Akufo-Addo has indeed celebrated Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and by extension, Ghana’s rich history more than any other government in our nation’s history.
