Lecture on Kwame Nkrumah and Ghanaian Independence Movement

Introduction

• Africa's desire for freedom, exemplified through Kwame Nkrumah's struggle for independence.

Kwame Nkrumah's Early Life

• Born in September 1909 in the Gold Coast (now Ghana).
• Original name: Francis New Year Kofi Ngonyoma.
• Educated at Achimota College, became a teacher.
• Wanted to be a Catholic priest initially.
• Left for Lincoln University in the USA at age 26.
• Inspired by socialism and Pan-Africanism through literature of Karl Marx, Marcus Garvey, George Padmore, and W.E.B. Du Bois.

Political Career and Achievements

• Invited to become Secretary General of UGCC (United Gold Coast Convention).
• 1948: Boycotts and mass action due to expensive goods from foreign traders.
• Arrested and imprisoned by colonial government, accused of instigation and rioting.
• Formed the CPP (Convention People's Party) after splitting from UGCC.
• 1951: CPP won a landslide victory, Nkrumah became leader of government business.
• Led Ghana to become the first African country south of the Sahara to gain independence in 1957.
• Key developmental projects: Tema Township, Accra-Tema Motorway, Kwame Nkrumah University, Akosombo Dam.
• Played a crucial role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity.

Personal Life

• Married Fatiha Ritz from Egypt in December 1957.
• Together they had three children: Gamal, Samir, and Sekou.
• Fathered a son, Francis Nkrumah, from a previous relationship.

Challenges and Controversies

• Ghana declared a one-party state; perceived as a dictator.
• Implemented the Preventive Detention Act, allowing detention without trial.
• Economic decline: Unemployment rose, cocoa prices fell, and state enterprises collapsed.
• Funded Guinea with £10 million from Ghana's coffers.
• Survived multiple assassination attempts; accusations of betrayal within his government.
• Overthrown in a military coup on 24th February 1966 while on a peace mission to Vietnam.

Exile and Death

• Went into exile in Guinea, co-president with Sekou Ture.
• Died in April 1972 in Bucharest, Romania.
• Survived five assassination attempts; rumored to have been poisoned.

Legacy

• Regarded as a major figure in Africa's liberation struggle.
• Advocated for Pan-Africanism and the United States of Africa.
• Inspired future African leaders and movements.
• Remembered for his dedication to politics and the African continent.

Conclusion

• Kwame Nkrumah's impact on Africa and particularly Ghana remains significant.
• Emphasis on the need for new visionary African leaders to continue his legacy.