Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi argues that Ghana’s struggles with its historical narratives contribute to a culture of deceit. He highlights pre-independence historical manipulation and modern political exploitation of history as key issues. Recent debates in Parliament regarding JB Danquah illustrate the contentious nature of historical interpretations in Ghana.

In a recent statement, Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, the Dean of the University of Professional Studies Law School, articulated that Ghana’s struggle with its historical narratives contributes to a prevalent culture of deceit and dishonesty. He traced this issue back to pre-independence when factions within the nationalist movement appropriated the narrative of independence to validate their political stance.

Professor Abotsi expressed that the historical dishonesty is evident in the ongoing misinformation and confusion surrounding the legacies of historical figures such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, JB Danquah, and Jerry John Rawlings. He emphasized that the absence of an objective and inclusive historical narrative has resulted in an identity crisis, with the past significantly affecting contemporary issues.

He highlighted that many political leaders opt to exploit history to further their own agendas, rather than to derive valuable lessons from it, which may have negative consequences for the nation. Recently, an incident in Parliament involving Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed’s remarks about JB Danquah further illustrated the contentiousness surrounding historical figures, leading to considerable debate and a formal petition for investigation by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council.

Professor Abotsi concluded with a reminder of the importance of confronting historical truths, noting that failing to do so perpetuates greed and historical appropriation as persistent challenges for Ghana.

In summary, Professor Abotsi’s observations underscore that Ghana’s challenges with its historical narratives significantly influence its current societal issues. The manipulation of history for political gain detracts from the nation’s ability to learn from its past. The discourse around prominent figures, such as JB Danquah, further exemplifies the conflicting perceptions that continue to shape Ghana’s identity.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com