Former President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo attended the 60th Remembrance Service for J.B. Danquah in Kyebi, joined by former First Lady and Minority Leader. Danquah was an influential figure, president of the Ghana Bar Association, who faced harsh political repression and died in prison but was later commemorated by the state for his contributions.
Former President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo attended the 60th Remembrance Service for John Boakye Danquah, known as J.B. Danquah, in Kyebi, Eastern Region. He was joined by former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo and Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, signifying the importance of the occasion and Danquah’s legacy.
J.B. Danquah played a pivotal role in Ghana’s political landscape, notably contesting against Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in the April 1960 presidential election. Despite his loss, he remained a significant figure in Ghana’s governance and law.
On October 3, 1961, Danquah was arrested under the Preventive Detention Act, accused of conspiring against the Convention People’s Party. After his release in June 1962, he was subsequently elected as President of the Ghana Bar Association.
Danquah faced a second arrest in January 1964 without formal charges, resulting in his detention at Nsawam Medium Prison. He died there on February 4, 1965. Following the CPP’s overthrow in February 1966, the state recognized his contributions by providing him with a burial.
Additionally, viewers are encouraged to see a special edition of “People and Places” discussing the story of the return of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue, which had been away for 43 years.
The 60th Remembrance Service for J.B. Danquah highlights his significance in Ghana’s political history and honors his contributions despite the tribulations he faced, including arrests and eventual death in prison. His legacy continues to be acknowledged through commemorative events, reinforcing the importance of recognizing historical figures in Ghana’s journey.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
