Tuesday, 4th February, 2025
Hon Kingsley Agyemang
Abuakwa South
Mr Speaker, thank you very much. It is a profound privilege to stand before this esteemed House today to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the untimely passing of one of Ghana’s foremost visionaries, Dr Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah, affectionately known as J.B. Danquah.
As we gather to reflect on his life and legacy, we honour a man whose contributions, have left an indelible mark on the foundation of our nation’s political, intellectual, and cultural heritage.
My predecessor, Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, has, over the past 16 years, marked this auspicious day with glowing tributes, a tradition I intend to continue in honour of the man who once held a seat in this august House as a Member of Parliament for Akyem Abuakwa.
Upon his return home in 1927, J.B. Danquah plunged headlong into public life, embodying a spirit of relentless dedication to his country. In 1930, he established what is believed to be Ghana’s first daily newspaper, the Times of West Africa, which he used as a platform to champion political and intellectual discourse until 1935.
That same year, he co-founded the Gold Coast Youth Conference, serving as a strong advocate for constitutional reform. In 1934, as Secretary of a delegation to the Colonial Office, he made bold representations against the Sedition Bill and advocated for an enhanced constitution for the Gold Coast.
Between 1930 and 1936, J.B. Danquah conducted extensive research on the history and traditions of the Gold Coast people. It was during this period that he traced the connection between the ancient Sudanese Empire of Ghana and the Gold Coast, providing the historical basis for the country’s adoption of the name “Ghana” upon achieving independence on 6th March, 1957.
Tragically, on 4th February, 1965, Dr. Danquah passed away under harrowing circumstances at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. His death remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who sought freedom, justice, and national dignity. His political philosophy called for a higher standard of political maturity, in which the opposition is seen not as the enemy, but as a vital contributor to the national discourse. This principle of constructive engagement remains particularly pertinent today as we strive to elevate political dialogue to one of respect, reason, collaboration and mutual understanding.
Reflecting on Dr Danquah’s teachings, we find rich lessons for today’s politics and governance, especially in the wake of the 2024 elections. The early and gracious concession made by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of the Republic, following the defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the subsequent acknowledgement of this sportsmanship by President John Mahama in his inaugural speech offer a powerful example of the democratic maturity Dr Danquah championed. This remarkable act of statesmanship is a reminder that true leadership is not measured by victory alone, but by the ability to place the nation above personal or partisan interests.
It challenges political leaders across the spectrum to rise above divisiveness and view each other not as adversaries, but as indispensable partners in the shared mission of building a stronger, more united Ghana.
Mr Speaker, in the pantheon of Ghana’s founding fathers, Dr Danquah holds an indispensable and revered place. His intellectual brilliance and political foresight were pivotal in the shaping of modern Ghana. As a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and a principal architect of our independence movement, his contributions to the political and philosophical foundation of the nation remain fundamental to the Ghana we know today. His life and work serve as an urgent call to the youth of this country to embrace his spirit of selfless service, rising to the challenge of building a stronger, united, and prosperous Ghana for generations to come.
Dr Danquah’s influence extended far beyond his activism for independence. His intellectual output, particularly his writings on governance, political economy, and social progress, has had a lasting impact on the political thought of successive generations.
As we delve deeper into Dr Danquah’s unparalleled legacy, three of his foremost profound statements come to mind, each a window into his worldview, his philosophy, and his steadfast devotion to the ideals of freedom, humanity, and collective progress.
In the foreword to his seminal work, The Akan Doctrine of God, Dr Danquah posed a touching rhetorical question: “Again, who is my neighbour? He whose goodness makes me good and who, rather than place me a little lower than man, would accord me the beneficence of the good Samaritan.”
This Statement encapsulates his deep understanding of the inter-connectedness of humanity. To him, the measure of a just society was its ability to inspire goodness in individuals, creating a ripple effect of mutual respect and moral elevation. It was not enough to merely coexist; our collective actions, as neighbours, must uplift one another in profound and meaningful ways.
He further illuminated his ideals in another compelling assertion, I quote: “It is much better to sacrifice the lust for egoistic hedonism as an end and work for the social good, for it is the highest good, the summum bonum, the richest end for each man and all of men.” This was more than a call to selflessness; it was a philosophical challenge to place the common good above individual gratification. In Dr Danquah’s view, true fulfilment could only be found in service to society—a timeless principle that resonates today as a moral compass for leadership and governance.
Finally, we reflect on the historic moment at Saltpond in 1947, where the UGCC was inaugurated. Before the assembly of chiefs, lawyers, clergymen, traders, and thousands of citizens, Dr Danquah spoke words did not only moved the crowd to tears but also etched his vision into the annals of history. I quote:
“But there is one thing we brought with us from ancient Ghana. We brought with us our ancient freedom.
Today, the safety of that freedom is threatened, has been threatened, has been continuously threatened for a hundred years, since the Bond of 1844, and the time has come for a decision.” Even at a time when the land was known as the Gold Coast, Dr Danquah’s foresight transcended the immediate struggles of his era. He invoked the name Ghana, linking the aspirations of independence to the enduring legacy of ancient freedom—a legacy that symbolised dignity, resilience, and selfdetermination.
These quotes demonstrate that Dr Danquah was not merely a thinker bound by his time; he was a global visionary whose words continue to challenge us to aspire to greatness, to build a nation rooted in justice, and to embrace the highest ideals of humanity. His ability to draw from history, philosophy, and human compassion sets him apart as a towering figure in the pantheon of our national heroes.
Mr Speaker, in closing, despite the constraints of time, it is impossible to overlook the powerful tributes and reflections on the life of Dr J. B. Danquah. While we could list the countless individuals who have spoken of his profound legacy, I am compelled to highlight just a few who have eloquently captured the essence of his contributions to our nation.
Professor Mike Oquaye, referencing the Hansard of the Legislative Assembly from the early 1950s, reminded us of Dr Danquah’s visionary leadership in pushing for the creation of a national committee to supervise Ghana’s energy future.
Dr Danquah’s foresight in pushing for what would eventually become the Volta River Authority (VRA) was a proof of his commitment to ensuring the country’s development, even as Ghana now grapples with the power crisis he had sought to prevent.
President John Agyekum Kufuor stressed the need for all Ghanaians, not just those in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to honour Dr Danquah for his foundational role in shaping the country we now call home. As President Kufuor himself put it, “J. B. Danquah belongs to Ghana; he irrefutably played a titanic role in the making of our nation that we are all part of today.” These are but a few of the countless voices that have echoed Dr Danquah’s legacy. His indelible mark on our nation’s history, politics, and intellectual life continues to inspire us as we honour his memory today.
Mr Speaker, in conclusion, Dr Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah’s legacy transcends the boundaries of time and political affiliation. He remains an enduring symbol of intellectual brilliance, political maturity, and firm perseverance to the ideals of justice, freedom, and unity. His life, marked by sacrifice, foresight, and a bottomless commitment to the welfare of this nation, continues to illumine the path towards a Ghana that is not only free but one that is founded upon the principles of democracy, respect for the rule of law, and the common good.
As we honour his memory today, let us renew our collective pledge to uphold the values for which he stood, values that are as relevant today as they were in his time.
Mr Speaker, I extend my deepest gratitude to you and to this esteemed House for granting me the privilege to reflect on the life and contributions of such a distinguished son of Ghana.
I thank you Mr Speaker.
Hon Samuel Abdulai Jinapor
Damongo
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to the Statement ably presented by the Hon Member for Abuakwa South Constituency on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the passing of Dr Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah.
Mr Speaker, Dr Danquah, indeed, is an icon and what is happening here in this Chamber—This Parliament and what transpires here in this Parliament is exactly what Dr Danquah stood for, what he fought for, and what he died for.
Mr Speaker, at the birth of our country, there were two clear schools of thought, and I would refer this House to the profound and prophetic statement made by Dr Joseph Boakye Danquah on 4 th August, 1947 at Saltpond.
This is where Dr Danquah made the point that Ghana should be governed on the basis of multi-party democracy: a democracy which is anchored on the rule of law, a democracy which would have a Parliament such as ours, a democracy which would have different shades of opinion as we have today.
Mr Speaker, Dr Danquah saw that as far back as 1947, and we are never to forget that there were very important voices at time who disagreed with Dr Danquah. Indeed, at some stage in the evolution of our nationhood, particularly at the infant stages of our nationhood, there was no Parliament like this. Yes, there was a Parliament, but there was a Parliament occupied by only one shade of opinion.
Mr Speaker, the ingredients of today’s Ghana and the characteristics of today’s Ghana was the Ghana Dr Danquah prophetically advocated for even before our independence. It does not matter where you belong on the political divide; you cannot contest the fact that Dr Danquah stood for the major pillars of our democratic state as we have it today: rule of law, freedom of speech, multiparty democracy, equality before the law, property owning democracy.
Mr Speaker, that is the bedrock of today’s democracy; that is the bedrock of Ghana’s economy today. Property owning democracy—The farmer in my Constituency who farms and harvests, and he is free to sell, he is free to own property as he wishes, and spends the fruits of his labour as he pleases, Mr Speaker, that is what Dr Danquah stood for.
As it has been established today, even our friends from the other Side, I mean the Majority Side, the NDC Side, the social democrats, the socialists, today, are now owners of mansions and properties. That is property owning democracy.
That is what Dr Danquah stood for. Today, our friends from the other Side are defending their properties, those that belong to their wives, their cousins, their friends, properties in Cantonments, properties in Labone, properties in Airport Hills, properties all over the place.
Mr Speaker, let me conclude by saying that what Dr Danquah did not subscribe to though is that we should have fairness even when we are building a liberal economy and Dr Danquah believed that even in a free liberal market economy, there are those who are underprivileged and that is where the State comes.
Mr Speaker, I want to thank the maker of this Statement that Dr Danquah continues to be a colossus in Ghanaian political history and he is indeed the doyen of Ghana politics.
I thank you very much Mr Speaker
Hon Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin
Effutu
Mr Speaker, under normal circumstance, a commemorative Statement is not to generate debates.
I would want to remind the House that these are national heroes, some are on our Side and some are on their Side, so let us be mindful of how we react when it is our turn. Obviously, there will come a time when a Statement will be made in honour of the hard work of former Presidents Nkrumah, Limann, Jerry Rawlings, Professor Mills, and all. Let us focus on their contribution.
Mr Speaker, obviously, in such commemorative Statements, our focus should be on the contributions made by these national heroes, rather than using this as an opportunity to debate. I recall that in the Eighth Parliament, there was such an occasion and I was directed—I do not have a problem admitting where I am wrong; I cannot be perfect.
I remember that my respected Colleague, Dr Zanetor. Very well, iMr Speaker, my Colleagues are telling me to say that she has been ignored by the Mahama Administrationbut I would not say that, I am not going to say that.
Mr Speaker, on that occasion, I was reminded by the Chair that days like that are not meant for looking at criticisms and all, so let us focus on the person's contribution to national development. So, I just want to remind Colleagues as such on this.
If we want to waste time on adverse publications by people, none of us would have our peace in this room. As I sit here, I am sure many people are writing all kinds of articles, but there are good sides to me and there are good sides to Colleagues that would have to be discussed, and I believe that is what the Hon Member said.
Mr Speaker, the records have it that Dr J. B. Danquah was more than a politician. He was a legal luminary, a historian, a philosopher, and one of Ghana's foremost nationalists. The lead role he played in the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which is the first political party we know has to be emphasised. His advocacy and intellectual rigour helped shape the political consciousness that led to Ghana's independence; nothing can be taken away from hint is good to be corrected; that is alright, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings. I got it right this time
Mr Speaker, my Colleagues are telling me to say that she has been ignored by the Mahama Administration but I would not say that, I am not going to say that.
Mr Speaker, on that occasion, I was reminded by the Chair that days like that are not meant for looking at criticisms and all, so let us focus on the person's contribution to national development. So, I just want to remind Colleagues as
such on this. If we want to waste time on adverse publications by people, none of us would have our peace in this room. As I sit here, I am sure many people are writing all kinds of articles, but there are good sides to me and there are good sides to Colleagues that would have to be discussed, and I believe that is what the Hon Member said.
Mr Speaker, the records have it that Dr J. B. Danquah was more than a politician. He was a legal luminary, a historian, a philosopher, and one of Ghana's foremost nationalists. The lead role he played in the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which is the first political party we know has to be emphasised. His advocacy and intellectual rigour helped shape the political consciousness that led to Ghana's independence; nothing can be taken away from him
Mr Speaker, Dr J. B. Danquah had an enduring contribution, which was founded on the research he made into the history of our country. He is credited with proposing the name Ghana for our nation, linking us to the proud heritage of the ancient Ghana Empire. He believed in an independent Ghana built on democratic principles, personal freedoms, and the rule of law. At the risk of being repetitive, these have been emphasised by the earlier speakers, including my respected Colleague, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor.
These values that he espoused, Mr Speaker, continue to shape our governance today. Let me quote a profound statement which resonates with many students of politics: “True democracy demands of men that they dare to be wise, liberty does not mean lawlessness. It means the observance of laws that uphold freedom. Freedom is not a gift to be handed down, but a right to be fought for”.
Mr Speaker, indeed, freedom is a far right and we know what Martin Luther King stood for and those values he stood for and its contribution to the black liberation and redemption and that opportunity for all that his values created for America.
Mr Speaker, this great man’s belief in democracy and freedom was so profound that he challenged Ghana’s first post-independence President in 1960 by contesting Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Just for emphasis, it was J. B Danquah and his colleagues who actually contributed to bring Dr Kwame Nkrumah to Ghana to be the Secretary to the UGCC. Although he was unsuccessful in that election, his courage alone introduced the need for our country to have a multi-party democracy. We cannot have a one-party state. When someone has an idea for a country's governance, it does not take a day for it to come into fruition. With those values that he espoused; it took time. He himself did not live to celebrate these. To see— but over time, after the first coup, we went into a Second Republic; another coup, went to a Third Republic; another coup for over 11 years, and then we gave birth to the Fourth Republic. It is instructive that those who were involved in the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) regime were the very people who gave birth to the Fourth Republic, meaning that forces of democracy worked around the clock to ensure that they appreciated the need to have democracy and they submitted themselves to multi-party democracy. All these took foundation from the writings of Dr J.B. Danquah.
Mr Speaker, beyond politics, he was a prolific scholar whose research into our cultural heritage gave prominence to the name Ghana, as I have already said. However, unfortunately, in spite of all the sacrifices he made, political disagreements eventually led to his incarceration. As a young politician, when a time came for me to construct a roundabout in Efutu, I read a bit of the history, and I even discovered that for many years, J. B. Danquah was the lawyer for the Efutu state. I also discovered that the Omanhene of Efutu, my great-granduncle, Nenyi Ghartey, had actually contributed to the independence of the country through his support to Kwame Nkrumah.
Mr Speaker, all those misunderstandings, the Kwame Nkrumah-J. B. Danquah political rifts, led to the Efutu lands becoming vested lands because after the 1950 Supreme Court of Gold Coast ruling, J. B. Danquah remained the lawyer for Efutu even when Nkrumah set up a commission of inquiry to look into the matter, even after the Supreme Court ruling, J.B. Danquah insisted being the lawyer for the Efutu state. And when the final findings gave the lands to Efutu, Nkrumah then said to avoid conflict, through the then Attorney General, Justice Ofori Atta, there was that enactment to say that the chiefs can sell their lands but with the consent of the states.
Mr Speaker, I am saying that looking at this history, by the grace of God, I was able to set up this reconciliation roundabout. If one goes to Winneba, one will see two gentlemen shaking hands. It is J. B. Danquah and Kwame Nkrumah. The import of this was to say no more to political intolerance because these were two friends and two national heroes, but because of political differences, one had to die a painful death in Nsawam prisons. So, symbolically, Efutu took up.
Mr Speaker, unfortunately the noise is coming from those who are still waiting for their appointments. — [Laughter]—Those who have been nominated are gently listening, and those behind, who are yet to be considered, are making noise. They do not want to learn. They are Backbenchers and newcomers; they are supposed to learn. This is history. We have mounted these statues, J.B. Danquah and Nkrumah, to symbolise true reconciliation. That no matter the disagreements with your political opponent, do not wish death for him and that is a true symbol of multiparty democracy. And what we did this morning, after our heated exchanges on Thursday and Friday, is what democracy represents. Find peace around the table. Do not go to the extreme. Let us manage our democracy.
Mr Speaker, J.B. Danquah has bequeathed to this nation true values that we shall forever cherish. Let us continue as a people to honour his memory through our conducts. Even if we have different political ideologies, we should remember him for the great works he did for our nation. This man preached press freedom and personal liberties. He set up newspapers. He was writing. He exposed the country to all these values that today we are celebrating and we are taking for granted. Hon Atta Akyea was the one who was doing this annual ritual.
I am happy that Dr Kingsley Agyemang has taken over. It is time for him to also make his name in this hallowed Chamber. I wish Dr Agyemang many accomplishments in this Chamber. He has demonstrated his determination to take up a key role in this House and I wish him well even in this great enterprise of democracy. Mr Speaker, without more, I shall yield. I can see the respected Majority Leader is more than anxious to have his bite; however superfluous it may be.
Mr Speaker, this is a very respected senior Colleague. He has made his name at the ECOWAS Parliament and he has gone through the rudiments of politics to assume this black chair.
I would always accord him that respect. That is why I said, however superfluous it may be, he must have a bite because we are celebrating a national hero.
Mr Speaker, I yield the space to him. Without more, thank you.
Hon Ayariga Mahama
Bawku Central
Mr Speaker, I think the first time I encountered J. B. Danquah, I was as a student of History at the Ordinary Level (O-Level).
I also read History at the Advanced Level and in my first year at the University of Ghana. Throughout my readings of the history of Ghana, I encountered J. B. Danquah as one of the foremost in the struggle for the independence of Ghana. We all recall that, in the beginning, it was the UGCC that started the struggle as a political party for the independence of Ghana and J. B. Danquah, who was one of the founding fathers, led the struggle for independence.
Mr Speaker, I also read that, along the line, they were joined by Dr Kwame Nkrumah who then, I believe, was an official initially of the UGCC. As a result of some disagreement between the two of them as to the direction of the struggle, J. B. Danquah and others opposed the style and the approach of Kwame Nkrumah, which led to Kwame Nkrumah parting company with J. B. Danquah and his team and formed his own party, the Convention People’s Party (CPP). He had a more radical approach to the struggle for independence. From the moment he parted company and formed his CPP, the leaders of the UGCC became opposed to Dr Kwame Nkrumah: opposed to his methods and, ultimately, were opposed to the timing of independence.
They were not opposed to independence, per se, but they were opposed to the timing of independence. Since time is everything, many have read into it that they were opposed to independence. That has been a matter of contention, and I think it is one of the issues that is causing some disagreement in this Chamber.
Mr Speaker, when I got to the university, in my first year, I read law, and, again, I encountered J. B. Danquah because one of the famous constitutional law cases that one must read as a firstyear university law student is the famous RE: Akoto and Seven Others. In my reading of the decision in RE: Akoto and Seven Others, I encountered J. B. Danquah, the fighter for independence now the human rights activist, a fighter for the rule of law, a fighter for human rights.
If you read RE: Akoto and Seven Others, and many, I believe, in this room do not remember the facts. Basically, CPP, led by Dr Kwame Nkrumah, had got Parliament to pass the Preventive Detention Act (PDA), which enabled them to arrest and detain people under certain circumstances.
The Chief Linguist of the Asantehene, Mr Baffour Akoto, and seven others had been arrested under the PDA, and they applied for bail and the High Court refused, and then they appealed to the Supreme Court, and J.B. Danquah was their lawyer. J. B. Danquah argued that, under human rights law, there was no basis for a law like that which enabled individuals to be arbitrarily arrested and detained and be denied habeas corpus.
Mr Speaker, he also argued that the legislation itself was not right, and that Parliament did not have the power to enact a legislation which gave blanket cheque to the Executive to arrest and detain people under those circumstances. So, the case brought to the fore the issue of parliamentary supremacy. Is Parliament so supreme that Parliament can enact any legislation? And that was a central issue in the decision in RE: Akoto and Seven Others.
Mr Speaker, the court ruled that the Parliament at that time was not, in any way, inhibited, and they could pass a legislation like that even during peace times. RE: Akoto and Seven Others had argued that, in the jurisdictions where they had similar legislation, it was legislation passed during war time to deal with the exigencies of war, so Ghana, which was enjoying peace, could not be cited as a country that provided an environment that necessitated a legislation like that.
But the Supreme Court at that time overruled them and said Ghana could enact a legislation like that. So, there, I encountered J. B. Danquah as the jurist, as a fighter for individual liberty and freedom. Subsequently, he was arrested and detained under the same PDA, allegedly based on some charge of conspiracy to undermine the regime of Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He was in detention, I think, from somewhere in 1964, and, ultimately, died in detention on the 4th February, 1965. Of course, his death sparked some furor across the country, and, subsequently, a commission of inquiry was set up to try and explain the circumstances surrounding his death.
Let us get to the more controversial issues about the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). When the Hon Member cited some allegations that he betrayed his country and worked for the CIA, it is, indeed, the case that some writers have claimed that J. B. Danquah received financing from the CIA.
Indeed, it is claimed that, in the 2010 declassified information of the CIA, there is some indication there that he received financing from the CIA. Exactly what the financing is for is the subject matter of speculation. Others have speculated that it was a period when the United States of America (USA) was working against the Dr Kwame Nkrumah regime because he was considered to be a communist, and that they were proSoviet Union, so they suspect that they financed J. B. Danquah for those reasons. But this is a matter that is not settled, so it is a subject of some claims that have been made.
Mr Speaker, the most important thing, today, is that we should learn to remember and recognise the efforts of those who came before us, and the good work that they did. I believe that, at the appropriate time, we would also make a Statement in this Chamber about the contribution of Dr Kwame Nkrumah. I am sure, at the right time, we would also make Statements about the contribution of such great heroes as former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Mr Speaker, I would not be surprised if a Statement on H. E. former President Akufo-Addo attracts the longest period of comments in this Chamber. Let us learn to recognise the efforts of those who came before us. J. B. Danquah did a lot.
There were disagreements along the way between him and Dr Nkrumah, but one cannot write the history of this country without recognising the efforts of J. B. Danquah. In law school, I then read about customary law and the contribution of J. B. Danquah in documenting the Ashanti or Akan customary law.
He wrote extensively about Akan customary law, Akan tradition, the sociology of Akan communities, et cetera, and that has become a major resource for those who are studying Akan customary law and the society, history and traditions of Akan.
Mr Speaker, let me save time for the conduct of Government Business by ending my contribution here. Thank you very much.
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