Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi has highlighted Ghana’s lack of objective history, citing its impact on national identity and self-deceit. He emphasizes pre-independence greed and historical appropriation as ongoing issues. Former President Akufo-Addo calls for proper recognition of Dr. JB Danquah’s contributions to Ghana, advocating for justice and the rule of law as essential democratic principles.
Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra Law School, has asserted that Ghana currently suffers from a lack of objective history, which he believes impacts the nation’s identity. He attributes this to a tendency towards self-deceit and dishonesty among the populace. Furthermore, he points out that issues such as pre-independence greed and historical appropriation are ongoing challenges facing the country today.
In a recent post on his social media account, Professor Abotsi emphasized the importance of acknowledging historical figures such as Kwame Nkrumah, JB Danquah, and Jerry Rawlings. He remarked that Ghana’s failure to establish a clear and objective historical narrative exacerbates its self-deception and reflects on the persistent issues of greed and historical appropriation that the nation is grappling with.
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has also advocated for the recognition of Dr. JB Danquah’s legacy, urging that it should not be overshadowed by controversies surrounding his role in Ghana’s political history. Speaking at a commemoration event in Kyebi, he highlighted Danquah’s dedication to the rule of law and individual freedoms, which are now foundational elements within Ghanaian politics.
President Akufo-Addo asserted, “Danquah’s persistent pursuit for the rule of law to be entrenched in our body politic remains the ultimate guarantee of liberty and individual freedom — values that are now central features of Ghanaian politics and must never be compromised.” He expressed disappointment that extensive contributions made by Dr. Danquah continue to provoke unnecessary disputes even posthumously.
The commemoration event garnered significant attendance, including dignitaries across the political spectrum such as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Afenyo-Markin reiterated the importance of justice, a principle to which Dr. Danquah was strongly committed. He indicated that contemporary events, such as the recent raid on a former minister’s residence, serve as reminders of the fragility of the nation’s democracy, cautioning against the misuse of state power.
In summary, both Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi and Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emphasize the importance of recognizing historical figures like Dr. JB Danquah to foster a more objective understanding of Ghana’s history. The prevailing issues of self-deceit and dishonesty, alongside debates surrounding the contributions of past leaders, highlight the need for an informed and respectful discourse to promote justice and democratic values in Ghana. The ongoing discussions serve as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to maintaining the principles of rule of law and individual freedoms.
Original Source: 3news.com