Historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong claims the Danquah-Busia Tradition is a fictional construct within Ghana’s political landscape, fabricated by a faction of the NPP to counter Ashanti dominance. He insists that J.B. Danquah, a prominent figure in Ghana’s history, was not recognized as a leader by Ashanti factions, further challenging the legitimacy of the tradition.
In a recent interview, distinguished legal practitioner and historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong expressed his views regarding the so-called Danquah-Busia Tradition, asserting that it is a mere fabrication within Ghana’s political narrative. He suggested that this concept was created by a faction of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a means to counterbalance Ashanti influence in Ghanaian politics.
Frimpong highlighted that the Akyem faction of the NPP, which was excluded from either the United Party (UP) or the National Liberation Movement (NLM), invented the Danquah-Busia Tradition to gain political relevance. He questioned why the Ashanti political movements did not recognize J.B. Danquah, who was alive during the early secessionist movements, as their leader and instead selected Baffour Akoto.
The historian contended that there is no evidence supporting the existence of the Danquah-Busia Tradition, as J.B. Danquah, a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), did not belong to the NLM or UP. He noted that if the Ashanti factions effectively organized themselves, they would dominate presidential selections.
Frimpong further elaborated on the dynamics of leadership within Ashanti political movements, asserting that their initial party affiliations neglected Danquah in favor of Busia. This decision occurred despite Danquah’s considerable qualifications and educational background at the time. He concluded by emphasizing that the UGCC sought independence primarily for coastal states, thus excluding other regions, further sidelining Danquah from Ashanti allegiance.
Historians’ views, such as those of Yaw Anokye Frimpong, challenge established narratives within Ghana’s political history, specifically the existence of the Danquah-Busia Tradition. Frimpong’s analysis suggests that this tradition serves the interests of specific factions within the NPP, particularly the Akyem group, while questioning the legitimacy of Danquah’s recognized status among Ashanti political leaders. His insights encourage a re-evaluation of political representations and affiliations within Ghana’s historical context.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
