The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, honored JB Danquah’s legacy on the 60th anniversary of his passing, highlighting his contributions to Ghana’s democracy and freedoms. Danquah, a principal leader of the UGCC, is celebrated for his visionary sacrifice, which laid the foundations for Ghana’s current democratic principles enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. His extensive writings and political activism continue to influence Ghanaian society.
On March 9, 2025, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, celebrated the significant contributions of Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, known as JB Danquah, to Ghana’s development during a 60th anniversary memorial event following his passing. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the democracy currently enjoyed by Ghanaians stemmed from Danquah’s visionary sacrifices for the nation. He memorialized Danquah as a key figure in the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) who exemplified deep love for Ghana through his sacrifices.
In his address, Afenyo-Markin reflected on Danquah’s extensive legacy, asserting that he was not only a scholar and statesman but also a poet and playwright. He noted Danquah’s relentless dedication to the foundational principles of democracy, which has greatly influenced Ghana’s political, intellectual, and constitutional framework. Afenyo-Markin underscored that Danquah’s contributions laid the groundwork for Ghanaian freedoms.
The Minority Leader articulated that the liberties enshrined in the 1992 Constitution were the fruits of Danquah’s lifelong commitment to democratic principles, accountability, and free expression. He stated, “…the very ones he fought for from the 1920s… It is a testament to his foresight… that the 1992 Constitution has given rise to the longest enduring democratic rule in Ghana’s history.” This reflects the profound impact of Danquah’s vision on contemporary Ghana.
Dr. JB Danquah was born in December 1895 in Bempong and passed away on February 4, 1965, in Nsawam. Recognized as a prominent Ghanaian Nationalist politician and principal opposition leader to Kwame Nkrumah, he received an education in law and philosophy in London. After returning to the Gold Coast in 1927, he founded a law practice and the newspaper “Times of West Africa” in 1931.
Danquah was a key activist seeking constitutional reforms, ascending to the Legislative Council in 1946, and co-founding the UGCC which advocated for self-governance. His political journey included notable events such as his brief arrest after the 1948 riots. Despite electoral challenges, including a presidential run where he garnered only 10% of the votes against Nkrumah, his commitment to democracy remained steadfast, leading to his imprisonment under the Preventive Detention Act.
His intellectual contributions include seminal works such as “Gold Coast: Akan Laws and Customs and the Akim Abuakwa Constitution” (1928) and “The Akan Doctrine of God” (1944), further solidifying his legacy as a scholar and advocate. His life’s work continues to resonate within Ghanaian society today, marking him as a pivotal historical figure in the quest for Ghana’s independence and democratic principles.
Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah’s legacy significantly shaped Ghana’s political landscape and democratic values. His sacrifices and ideologies paved the way for the freedoms enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. As articulated by Afenyo-Markin, Danquah’s contributions reflect a profound commitment to promoting democratic accountability and civil liberties, establishing him as a foundational figure in Ghana’s journey toward independence and self-governance.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
