As Ghana marks this years’ Founder’s Day, which also represents the 116th birthday of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged the nation to adopt Nkrumah’s dreams as the blueprint for national development.
Addressing a gathering of ordinary Ghanaians, Chiefs, politicians, the religious among others at the well attended NkrumahFest at Nkroful, themed; “Celebrating Nkrumah’s Enduring Impact”, Armah Buah, who also serves as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, reminded Ghanaians that beyond celebrating Nkrumah’s legacy, true patriotism requires protecting the country’s resources—especially by joining the fight against illegal mining to safeguard water bodies, just as Nkrumah would have done.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah-MP, Ellembelle
‘‘I’m proud to have led the effort to transform the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Nkroful into a first-class tourist destination, which is truly befitting and worthy of the towering figure we honour. So, what is the call of this celebration to us, especially the youth? The journey to Nkroful is not a physical trip. It is a journey we must make in our minds and in our hearts. It is a journey to rediscover the values of self-determination, of selflessness, of Pan-Africanism, of innovation, and of fearless dedication to a cause greater than oneself. Osagyefo’s dreams are not relics of the past. They are a blueprint for our future…The journey to Nkroful is a pilgrimage to rededicate ourselves to our most cardinal civic responsibilities. Among these is the sacred duty of every Ghanaian to protect our pristine river bodies and preserve our forests. As Sector Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, I urge all Ghanaians to join in our vigorous fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which I have described as environmental terrorism. It is well documented that, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was a great ardent and champion of nature and the preservation of its beauty. I say to you with the conviction that Osagyefo Dr.Kwame Nkrumah who was Kwame Nkrumah would have loved to see us, as heirs of his legacy to become fierce guardians of our natural environment,’’ he said.
While eulogizing Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the Ellembelle MP, justified why Ghana’s first President is worthy of outstanding celebration.
‘‘Today, on what would have been his 116th birthday, we celebrate the enduring, the undeniable, the immortal impact of the Founder of our Nation, the African of the Millennium, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah! The theme for our celebration is “Celebrating Nkrumah’s Enduring Impact.” And so, we must ask: what is it about this man, born right here in Nkroful, that causes the world to still pause and take notice over a century later? Why does his name still command such reverence, and, for some, such fear? Osagyefo stood out because he was not just a politician; he was a prophet. He was not just a leader; he was a liberator. He did not see a Gold Coast; he saw an emancipated Ghana. He did not see a collection of colonies; he saw a united, powerful, and proud Africa. While others negotiated for a better place at the colonial table, Nkrumah’s demand was simple, radical, and absolute: A united and economically free Africa’’, he noted.
Dzifa Gomashie-Minister, Tourism, Culture and Arts
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Dzifa Abla Gomashie, who graced the noted that NkrumahFest is now firmly placed on Ghana’s tourism calendar, given its cultural and historical importance. She however noted what the Ministry is doing to elevate Dr. Nkrumah’s legacy.
‘‘sites like the birthplace of Dr. Nkrumah in Nkroful must not fade into history but preserved, nurtured and celebrated as living monument that continue to inspire, educated and unite us throughout the year. I am happy to see the indigenes Nzemaland in high and low places, all come together to claim the rightful place in the story of Ghana and our Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. In honour of this great legacy, therefore, we at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and our agencies have taken deliberate steps to ensure that the preservation, promotion and development of our culture and heritage are not an afterthought, but the bedrock of our national development,’’ she said.
Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, also encouraged Ghanaians to honour Nkrumah’s legacy not only with celebrations, but by living out his enduring principles.
Joseph Nelson-Minister, Western Region
Samia Nkrumah, daughter of the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who participated in the Nkrumah Fest thanked the current government for reinstating the Founder’s Day celebration in honour of her father. He prayed for the day soon to come where all Ghanaians will come to agree on the significance of Dr. Nkrumah.
Samia Nkrumah-Daughter, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
The NkrumahFest was preceded by the inauguration of a renovated Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Nkroful, after several years of deterioration.
In addition to the beautifully refurbished Nkrumah Mausoleum at Nkoful, the MP for Ellemeblle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah also ensured erection of an imposing Statue of Dr. Nkrumah at the entrance of Nkroful.
This year’s NkrumahFest saw beautiful cultural displaces from the Nzemaland as well as other tribes who joined the celebration of the 116th birthday of Dr. Nkruamah at his hometown of Nkroful.
Also present was the event was the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Amoako Hene.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
