Political elites have been a disservice to the country – Historian

A Historian at the Department of African Studies of the University of Ghana (UG) is worried about the demeanour of politicians as Ghana celebrates its 66th year of Independence from British colonial rule.

Kweku Darko Ankrah said the activities of post-Nkrumah politicians leave much to be desired.

He said although Dr Osagyefo KwameNkrumah faced some challenges during his regime, successive governments could have achieved more developmental goals if they have learned from his administration.

“It looks like the political elites have been a disservice to this country- post Nkrumah era. I say this thing with the heaviness of my heart, that the trajectory that Nkrumah for instance was going, despite certain inherent weaknesses that culminated with his government, if the preceding administrations have really learnt from some of the mistakes and corrected them and followed up on some of it, that is what is development,” he said.

Speaking on Accra based JoyNews  Mr Ankrah lamented that despite the country having had a “reservoir of intellectuals and professionals” long before and after independence, the country has little to boast of in that its current state is worrying.

According to him, “we could have done far better,” saying that the history of the country indicates that it had the best of men even as a “small country.”

Ghana’s Independence anniversary is taking place at Ho, in the Volta Region.

The country seeks to commemorate its break away from British imperial rule which has since lasted 66 years.

However, some public figures have called on the government to do something different other than the usual parade which is characterised by students marching and displays by government agencies.

According to them, in the wake of an economic crisis, it would be prudent to cut costs by not organising such an event.

As an alternative, they have advised that government focuses much on ongoing developmental projects.

Meanwhile, former President John Mahama has disclosed that he will not attend the event because according to him, it has become “a party jamboree” where the ruling NPP party busses its supporters in party attire to fill the event place.

Mr Mahama said that Independence Day is a solemn national celebration and that he would only attend the event if it is not “hijacked by one party.”