07/08/2024
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY.………
On July 10, 1953, Kwame Nkrumah presented a "Motion of Destiny" to the Gold Coast Legislative Assembly, which is now known as the Parliament of Ghana. In this speech, he acknowledged the contributions of earlier nationalists and leaders who played a crucial role in the fight for Ghana's independence.
Nkrumah recognized the efforts of pioneers like Joseph W.S. de Graft-Johnson, George Alfred Grant, and others who formed the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which laid the groundwork for the independence movement. He also mentioned the contributions of traditional leaders and chiefs who supported the cause. The traditional leaders who played a significant role in Ghana's independence movement, as acknowledged by Kwame Nkrumah in his "Motion of Destiny" speech, include:
1. Nana Sir Ofori Atta I: A prominent chief and statesman who served as the Omanhene ( Paramount Chief) of Akyem Abuakwa. He was a key figure in the UGCC and supported Nkrumah's efforts.
2. Nana Akufo-Addo I: The Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa, who succeeded Nana Sir Ofori Atta I. He continued to support the independence movement.
3. Otumfuo Sir Osei Tutu Agyeman Prempeh II : The Asantehene (King of the Ashanti) who played a crucial role in unifying the Ashanti Confederacy and supporting the UGCC.
4. Nene Sir Emmanuel Mate Kole: A Ga chief and politician who served as the Ga Mantse (Paramount Chief of the Ga people). He was a founding member of the UGCC.
5. Okyenhene Nana Ofori Kuma II: The Paramount Chief of Akyem Kyebi, who supported the UGCC and Nkrumah's efforts.
6. Baffuor Osei Akoto: A prominent chief and politician from the Ashanti Region, who served as a member of the UGCC and later became a key figure in Nkrumah's government.
These traditional leaders, among others, played important roles in mobilizing support, providing resources, and using their influence to advance the cause of Ghana's independence. Their contributions were instrumental in shaping the country's history.
The "Motion of Destiny" speech is indeed recorded in the Hansard, which is the official record of parliamentary debates and proceedings. This speech marked a significant milestone in Ghana's history, as it paved the way for the country's transition to independence, which was eventually achieved on March 6, 1957.
Great piece of history!
