Following the path of the founding fathers: The best way to honour their legacy

By Bala Ali, ISD, Accra

As we observed Founders’ Day on August 4, a public holiday, it is important to delve deeper into what this day truly represents and how we can best honour the remarkable individuals who laid the groundwork for our nation. This new holiday replaces the former September 21 observance, which was dedicated solely to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, as the sole founder of our nation.

The shift to August 4 is significant because it acknowledges the collective efforts of the many nationalists who were instrumental in the struggle for Ghana’s independence. This date is historically important as it commemorates the formation of two key nationalist movements: the Aborigines Rights Protection Society (ARPS) and the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC). Both organisations played critical roles in challenging the imperialism of the British colonial government that sought to undermine the interest of our forefathers.

Through selflessness and dedication, the educated nationalists and traditional authorities who formed the ARPS could successfully cause the withdrawal of the Lands Bill of 1897. This bill was designed to deny the traditional authorities and their subjects their right of ownership to unoccupied lands, the British defined as waste or virgin lands in that proposed law.

This achievement was a significant victory in protecting the land rights of Ghanaians and preserving their cultural heritage. Similarly, the UGCC, which was also founded on August 4, was the first political party in Ghana to advocate greater political representation and rights of Ghanaians within the British colonial administration.

The “Big Six” of the UGCC also demonstrated a high level of selflessness as they invested their personal resources to challenge colonial rule for the collective good of Ghanaians. These early nationalists demonstrated remarkable selflessness and dedication to the collective good. They prioritised the welfare of the nation over personal gain, a commitment that was instrumental in achieving significant progress towards independence. For instance, their successful resistance against the Lands Bill safeguarded local land ownership and prevented the exploitation of Ghana’s resources by foreign entities. The UGCC’s advocacy of political reform laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of a self-governing nation. While it is entirely fitting to honour these Founding Fathers with a dedicated holiday, our commemoration must extend beyond mere symbolism. 

True respect for their legacy requires us to reflect on their values and ensure that they are upheld in our current practices. It is disheartening to witness how the very lands and resources they fought to protect are now being exploited by some contemporary leaders and their allies. The ongoing destruction of Ghana’s forests and water bodies, driven by political and economic interests, represents a profound betrayal of the Founding Fathers’ vision.

The exploitation of these resources, often facilitated through questionable means, such as illicit mining licenses, undermines the environmental and cultural heritage that our predecessors sought to preserve. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that some leaders, who entered politics with modest means, have amassed considerable wealth through corrupt practices and resource exploitation. Furthermore, it is troubling to observe how certain government officials of different administrations present a facade of financial constraint within their institutions while pursuing personal political ambitions with resources they claim the state institutions they head lack.

This discrepancy reflects a troubling disregard for the principles of transparency, accountability, and service that were central to the ethos of our Founding Fathers. As we celebrate Founders’ Day, it is essential to renew our commitment to the values that our early leaders embodied. Their dedication to the nation and their resistance against colonial exploitation serve as a powerful example for current and future generations. We must strive to emulate their selflessness and integrity in our own actions and decisions. This includes rejecting leaders who prioritise personal gain over national welfare and advocating a more equitable and just society. Fellow citizens, this Founders’ Day offers a valuable opportunity for reflection and renewal. It is a call to action to recommit ourselves to the ideals of patriotism, service and integrity that characterised our nation’s early leaders. By honouring their legacy through our actions, we can ensure that their contributions are not only remembered, but also actively upheld in our pursuit of a better future for Ghana.

Let us use this occasion to reaffirm our dedication to building a nation that truly reflects the values and principles of our Founding Fathers. 

Let us stand united in our efforts to protect our natural resources, promote transparency and accountability, and foster a culture of service and integrity. Oh yes, following the path of the Founding Fathers must be the new norm! 

Long live our Founding Fathers!
Long live Ghana!

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