Managing editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has debunked claims by adherents of the Danquah-Busia tradition that Joseph Boakye (JB) Danquah suggested the name ‘Ghana’ to be given to the newly independent Gold Coast Colony.
Speaking on his television station, Pan African TV, Kwesi Pratt said J.B Danquah actually wanted to name the country ‘Akan Land’!
“The name J.B. Danquah suggested for the Gold Coast was Akan Land. Can you imagine that we were struggling for independence one of the people said after independence, we should call this place Akan Land?” he said.
Pratt said the name ‘Ghana’ was suggested by a priest and historian who made the connection between the historical Ghana empire and the Gold Coast.
He also added that whilst the Danquah-led faction wanted a fragmented nation, Kwame Nkrumah was the one who fought for a united nation and even brought in Transvolta Togoland.
“There is this argument that he [J.B Danquah] is the one who actually suggested the name Ghana, it is not true. The historical record is there and clear. Lord Lugard and his wife, even before then there was a priest who had traced the link between the Gold Coast and the new Ghanaian empire. The record is there and clear.
“The name J.B. Danquah suggested for the Gold Coast was Akan Land…The referendum which led to the inclusion of British Togoland, the campaign was led by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. There is no dispute about it. Ghana has always not been like this. Something went into bringing Trans-Volta Togoland, consolidating Ashanti space in Ghana, and bringing the Northern Territory to Ghana. What did J.B. Danquah do to bring Trans-Volta Togoland to Ghana? What did he do?” he queried.
The journalist called for the claims that J.B Danquah was the founder of Ghana to be set aside and Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah recognised as Ghana’s true founder.
Source: theGhanaianVoice.Com
