A public lecture in memory of the first president of Ghana, Osaagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, has been held at of the School of Graduate Studies Auditorium of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The two-day lecture was delivered by Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Akyeampong-Ellen Gurney Professor of History and of African-American Studies, Harvard University, USA.
Speaking on the theme for the occasion, “Diaspora Pan Africanism, and Spiritual Awakening: Nkrumah's years abroad and as Head of State”, Prof Akyeampong explained that the intersection of Pan-Africanism and spirituality shaped Nkrumah's faith journey and indirectly his politics in distinctive ways.
"More importantly, after the assassination attempts on his life as president of Ghana," he added.
According to him, Dr. Nkrumah bore the brunt of racial discrimination".
Prof. Acheampong used the occasion to explore the racial capitalism and inequality Nkrumah faced in America during his studies at Lincoln University.
He noted that "Nkrumah was depressed by the level of destitution as a result of racism".
Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Akyeampong
He added that a seminary project given to Kwame Nkrumah by the Presbyterian Church to conduct a social religious survey on Black Americans living exposed Nkrumah to the sad reality of Blacks in the United States of America (USA).
" I enjoyed the work immensely and it was an eye opener to the racial problem in the US", Prof. Acheampong quoted Nkrumah from his Biography published in 1957.
Again, he explained Nkrumah's dream to have a United Africa.
He stressed that Nkrumah already had ideas about having a United Africa "as far back as when Nkrumah was a student at Lincoln University. "
"Mr. Francis Nkrumah used to tell us that he has been thinking and dreaming about a United State of Africa", Prof Acheampong quoted Ako Adjei.
He added that Nkrumah's desire for a united Africa informed his later works like Africa Must Unite published in 1963 and Neocolonialism: The Last Stage of Imperealism published in 1965.
He pointed out that Nkrumah felt uneasy about organised religion and saw himself as a Marxist Christian. Prof. Akyeampong commented that Nkrumah's discomfort about religion was as a result of his believe that organised religion can lead to the downfall of a man if it becomes the main focus in a man's life.
Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Sir Sam Jonah, in an address, stressed the need for Ghanaians to emulate the hard work of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to improve the socio-economic development of Ghana.
According to him, Dr. Nkrumah bore the brunt of racial discrimination".
Prof. Acheampong used the occasion to explore the racial capitalism and inequality Nkrumah faced in America during his studies at Lincoln University.
He noted that "Nkrumah was depressed by the level of destitution as a result of racism".
He added that a seminary project given to Kwame Nkrumah by the Presbyterian Church to conduct a social religious survey on Black Americans living exposed Nkrumah to the sad reality of Blacks in the United States of America (USA).
" I enjoyed the work immensely and it was an eye opener to the racial problem in the US", Prof. Acheampong quoted Nkrumah from his Biography published in 1957.
Again, he explained Nkrumah's dream to have a United Africa.
He stressed that Nkrumah already had ideas about having a United Africa "as far back as when Nkrumah was a student at Lincoln University. "
"Mr. Francis Nkrumah used to tell us that he has been thinking and dreaming about a United State of Africa", Prof Acheampong quoted Ako Adjei.
He added that Nkrumah's desire for a united Africa informed his later works like Africa Must Unite published in 1963 and Neocolonialism: The Last Stage of Imperealism published in 1965.
Prof Acheampong pointed out that Nkrumah felt uneasy about organised religion and saw himself as a Marxist Christian. Prof. Akyeampong commented that Nkrumah's discomfort about religion was as a result of his believe that organised religion can lead to the downfall of a man if it becomes the main focus in a man's life.
Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Sir Sam Jonah, in an address, stressed the need for Ghanaians to emulate the hard work of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to improve the socio-economic development of Ghana.
He implored Ghanaians to emulate the tenets of endurance, freedom, and justice, rule of law, Pan-Africanism, that were the ideals and principles of Dr Nkrumah.
He said the enduring relevance of the ideas and ideals of Dr Nkrumah set him as a great leader.
"He foresaw and wrote extensively about the multifaceted challenges that Africa faces today, encompassing political, social and economic dimensions," he said of Dr Nkrumah.
Some members of audience at the event
Dr. Sir Jonah added: " His ability to articulate these challenges with clarity and propose solutions underscores his status as a pre-eminent thinker and doer."
He observed that the remarkable achievement of Dr. Nkrumah to gain independence for Ghana, and his pan-Africanism vision were nothing short of legendary.
"The legacy of Nkrumah has only grown more profound and celebrated since his passing," Sir Dr Jonah indicated.
He maintained that the unflinching commitment and dedication of Dr. Nkrumah to serve the ordinary Ghanaian remained a guiding light for leaders of today.
To him, Dr Nkrumah's ideas continue to shape the aspirations of leaders and citizens striving for a better future in Africa and the world at large.
Honorary Doctorate Degree
On day two of the event, Prof Akyeampong was conferred an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Cape Coast.
Prof Acheampong (middle) with principal officers of UCC.
