J. H. Mensah And His Contributions To National Development

NEWS COMMENTARY PAYS TRIBUTE TO J. H. MENSAH

For some people in society, when death lays its icy hands on them, remembrance of their lives on earth tends to be shrouded in doubt, especially when no remarkable achievements can be tagged to such people. In the case of the late J.H Mensah, Ghanaians will remember him for the things he stood for. In fact, as a veteran politician and elder statesman who died at the age of 89, J.H Mensah fought against dictatorship in the country at various times in his political career. He was imprisoned by the National Redemption Council from 1975 to 1978.

Also, in 1983 he led a group of people that was greatly opposed to the Provisional National Defence Council, PNDC. All these happened because of his disgust for dictatorial tendencies on the part of certain governments. As a well-educated person, he served in various capacities in public life. After attending the University of the Gold Coast, now University of Ghana, between 1948 and 1954, he headed to the University of London and continued his education at Stanford University where he earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees with specialisation in Economic Theory and Development. In 1954, J.H. Mensah became a Research Fellow in Economics at the University of Ghana and this continued until 1958. He played various roles in Ghana and other parts of the world. For example, as a young man he joined the United Nations Secretariat at the Center for Development Planning, Projection and Policies in New York City in the United States. With his acquisition of tremendous knowledge he shared part of his experience with his own beloved country, Ghana. Indeed, he returned to the country in 1961 as the Head of Agency at the National Planning Commission which drew and implemented Ghana’s seven-year development plan which lasted from 1962 to 1969. After being elected to Parliament in 1969, he became the Finance Minister until 1972 when the Progress Party under the leadership of the late Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia was overthrown in a military coup led by Ignatius Kutu Acheampong. His desire for freedom, rule of law, fair play and democracy was once again demonstrated in his opposition to the PNDC military government in 1983. As a believer in democracy, he joined hands with others to become a founding member of the NPP under which he played a significant role during the tenure of former President John Agyekum Kufuor. He served as a Minority and also as a Majority Leader at various stages in his political career and distinguished himself in the light of his critique of policies for the betterment of the country.

Ghana today is enjoying the culture of democracy partly because of stalwarts like J.H. Mensah. The enviable role he played in this country has distinguished and elevated him to the level of Statesman whose exemplary role must be emulated by all. His contributions to the socio-economic development of Ghana are beyond doubt and this explains why people in Ghana today would continue to regard him and miss him as a great son of the land. He has helped to enrich the democratic culture in Ghana as well as the quality of economic life for the people of this country. The present and future generations would have a lot to learn from him especially in the areas of democracy and socio-economic development.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.

BY: DR. KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS, GHANA STANDARDS AUTHORITY.