In an interview, Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed challenged the historical accuracy of the ‘Big Six’ narrative related to Ghana’s independence, asserting that certain key figures were not part of crucial events. He emphasized the need for a more honest understanding of history, particularly about the 1948 riots, urging Ghanaians to critically evaluate their political past.
On March 12, 2025, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, participated in an exclusive interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show hosted by Maltiti Sayida Sadick. During this discussion, he expressed concerns regarding the accuracy of Ghana’s political history as it is currently presented in educational contexts.
Dr. Murtala Muhammed rejected the widely accepted notion of the “Big Six,” stating, “there was nothing like the Big Six.” He contended that some individuals usually associated with this group were not involved in the key historical events that culminated in Ghana’s independence, pointing out misleading narratives particularly in relation to the 1948 riots and the arrests that followed.
Highlighting the discrepancies, he remarked, “The interrogations and statements after the 1948 riots are facts. They clearly indicated that those accused were not responsible, yet Kwame Nkrumah, who was not even in Accra at the time, was arrested.” This underscores his argument for a thorough reevaluation of Ghana’s historical account.
Murtala Muhammed stressed the importance of approaching history with integrity. He called on Ghanaians to scrutinize their national past critically instead of accepting conventional narratives unquestioningly. He stated, “It is important for us to understand history and appreciate how far we have come… But when it comes to the political history of this country, there has been enormous waste,” emphasizing respect for knowledge and intellectual contributions.
The statement by Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed challenges the established understanding of Ghana’s independence narrative, particularly criticizing the concept of the ‘Big Six.’ He calls for a reassessment of historical events such as the 1948 riots, urging the nation to approach history with a critical perspective to avoid inaccuracies and embrace a more truthful account of their past.
Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com
