Kwesi Pratt Jnr., Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, has added to the ongoing debate about who should be considered the founding father of Ghana.
His remarks follow comments made by former President Akufo-Addo on the eve of Founders’ Day, where the president rejected the notion that one individual alone founded the nation.
Akufo-Addo acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, but emphasized the importance of recognizing other key figures, especially the Big Six, in Ghana’s fight for independence as reported by Ghana Web.
In response, Pratt highlighted the extraordinary global recognition of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy. On a recent appearance on the Kokrokoo show on Peace FM, Pratt shared a remarkable historical fact: Dr. Nkrumah is the only president in world history whose coffin was carried by multiple heads of state from different countries.
This honor took place during his funeral in Guinea, where leaders like Fidel Castro, the former president of Cuba, served as pallbearers. Pratt pointed out that this rare occurrence underlines Nkrumah’s significant influence both in Ghana and internationally.
Pratt underscored Nkrumah’s intellectual legacy, emphasizing that no other leader, either living or deceased, had produced 13 classical books that continue to be studied worldwide. Pratt described this achievement as unprecedented, showcasing Nkrumah’s lasting impact not only on Ghana but also on global thought.
Pratt also noted that Dr. Nkrumah represents Ghana’s most valuable tourist attraction. He called for Ghanaians to respect and honor Nkrumah’s legacy, which he believes plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s identity and global standing.
Kwesi Pratt’s comments serve as a reminder of the immense contributions Dr. Kwame Nkrumah made to Ghana’s independence and the broader world, calling for recognition of his historical significance alongside other key figures in Ghana’s history.