Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has urged Ghana to move past mere symbolic memorials and actively integrate the ideals of the nation’s founding figures into schools, institutions, and political culture.
Speaking in Parliament during activities commemorating Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, a leading nationalist thinker and constitutional pioneer, Annoh-Dompreh expressed deep regret over how the statesman was treated during his lifetime, particularly his detention under the Preventive Detention Act and the circumstances surrounding his death.
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“It pains me that a personality of his stature was subjected to such treatment,” he said, reflecting on the hardships Danquah endured in the early post-independence era.
The Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP stressed that Ghana’s remembrance of its forebears should go beyond statues, plaques, and ceremonial namings. He cited examples from advanced democracies such as the United States, Britain, and Australia, where national heroes’ principles are incorporated into governance, education, and civic life rather than limited to physical memorials.
“In these countries, schools and institutions actively teach the values these leaders stood for, shaping generations’ political understanding,” he said, urging Ghana to adopt a similar approach to honor its historical figures meaningfully.
Annoh-Dompreh also lamented the controversies surrounding proposals to honor Danquah more prominently, including calls to rename the University of Ghana after him, describing such divisions as unnecessary and detrimental. “Our national pioneers should unite us, not become sources of partisan disputes,” he said.
Beyond commemoration, he proposed leveraging heritage and tourism to preserve Danquah’s legacy. He questioned why sites linked to Danquah’s final days, including the prison cell where he died has not been developed into national attractions.
“I’m surprised that even the very cells where he passed away remain undeveloped. These sites could educate, attract visitors from across the world, and strengthen historical awareness,” he remarked, adding that Danquah’s burial site should also be transformed into a place of national reverence and tourism interest.
Highlighting Danquah’s scholarly contributions, Annoh-Dompreh pointed to the wealth of writings housed at the University of Ghana’s Balme Library, which continue to inform students on law, governance, and constitutional development. While noting existing efforts to honor Danquah, he argued they fall short of what is needed.
“There’s recognition, yes, but it’s not enough. We can go further,” he said.
He concluded by calling for a deliberate, nationwide effort to celebrate Dr. Danquah’s work in constitutional governance, democracy, and the rule of law, ensuring that future generations inherit a political culture rooted in the vision and sacrifices of Ghana’s pioneers.
“By doing this, we leave a lasting legacy for our country and for generations yet unborn,” he emphasized.
