Afenyo-Markin Attributes Name “Ghana” to JB Danquah Amidst Historical Debate
Member of Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin claims that Dr. JB Danquah coined the name “Ghana” following his extensive historical research connecting the Gold Coast’s people to the ancient Ghana Empire. This assertion is disputed by historians, including Yaw Anokye Frimpong, who argue that the name existed prior to independence and that Danquah proposed a different name.
Member of Parliament Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has asserted that the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, known as JB Danquah and recognized as one of the founding fathers of Ghana, originated the nation’s name through extensive research. During a commemoration event marking the 60th anniversary of Danquah’s passing, Afenyo-Markin emphasized that Danquah discovered the link between the people of the Gold Coast and the ancient Ghana Empire, proposing the name as a reflection of national heritage.
The MP elaborated on Danquah’s dedication to researching a name that would encapsulate the identity and heritage of the Gold Coast’s populace. He disclosed that Danquah dedicated substantial time to studying historical records at institutions such as the British Museum. His conclusion was that the name “Ghana” would symbolize the historical strength and continuity of the region’s people, thereby fostering a cohesive national identity.
As the Minority Leader in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin underscored the consensus among the leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), established in 1947, which decided that “Ghana” should replace “Gold Coast” upon independence. This resolution was embraced when Ghana attained independence in 1957.
Historical criticisms have emerged, particularly from historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong, challenging Afenyo-Markin’s claims. Frimpong highlighted that the name “Ghana” predated the country’s independence in 1957, pointing out that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah named a school the Ghana National College nearly a decade prior to independence. Moreover, he noted Danquah’s own preference for the name “Akanman” for an independent Gold Coast.
Reflecting upon Danquah’s political career, Frimpong commented on his defeat in the Abuakwa constituency and his subsequent recognition as Twafohene of Akyem Abuakwa in 1955. He reinforced that the establishment of the Ghana National College ahead of independence indicates that the name was already in public use, thereby contradicting Afenyo-Markin’s assertions of Danquah’s singular authorship of the name. Furthermore, Frimpong expressed strong skepticism towards claims that Danquah could transition from proposing “Akanman” to being recognized as the originator of “Ghana.”
In conclusion, the assertion by MP Afenyo-Markin that Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah coined the name “Ghana” is met with historical controversy. While Afenyo-Markin credits Danquah for advocating the name based on ancestry to the Ghana Empire, historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong argue that the name was already in circulation prior to independence. This highlights a broader debate about the recognition of contributions to Ghana’s identity and the historical context of its name.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
