JB Danquah: A Pillar of Ghana’s Democracy and Development
Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, commemorated Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah’s contributions to Ghana during a 60th anniversary event on March 9, 2025. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the democracy enjoyed by Ghanaians today is rooted in Danquah’s vision and sacrifices as a founding member of the UGCC. He acknowledged Danquah’s multi-disciplinary achievements and their influence on Ghana’s constitutional freedoms.
The contributions of Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, fondly known as JB Danquah, were commemorated by the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, during an event marking the 60th anniversary of Danquah’s passing on March 9, 2025. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the democracy experienced in Ghana today is a direct result of Danquah’s visionary efforts. He highlighted that Danquah, a prominent member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), made the ultimate sacrifice for the love of his country.
Afenyo-Markin expressed a deep sense of reflection, stating, “Today, we gather in solemn remembrance and profound reflection as we mark sixty (60) years since the passing of one of Ghana’s most remarkable patriots, Dr Joseph Boakye Danquah, who endured the ultimate sacrifice for his love for his country and the freedom of her people.” He elaborated on Danquah’s multifaceted contributions to Ghana, noting his roles as a scholar, politician, statesman, poet, playwright, and chronicler of the nation’s history and culture.
In addition, the Minority Leader mentioned that the freedoms enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana were hard-won through Danquah’s endeavors. He noted, “Indeed, the principles of democratic accountability, free enterprise, free expression, and the rule of law… are the very ones he fought for from the 1920s and died for in 1965.” Afenyo-Markin underscored that these principles were reflective of Danquah’s foresight, contributing to the longest-standing democratic governance in Ghana’s history.
Born in December 1895 in Bempong, JB Danquah passed away on February 4, 1965, in Nsawam. He is recognized as the Dean of Ghanaian Nationalist Politicians and served as a primary opposition figure to Kwame Nkrumah. Danquah returned to the Gold Coast after completing his education in law and philosophy in London and founded a newspaper in 1931. He played a pivotal role in seeking constitutional reforms and was instrumental in establishing the UGCC, advocating for self-government.
Danquah experienced arrest in 1948 alongside Kwame Nkrumah post-riots, which elevated their prominence. Although he was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1951, he did not regain his seat in subsequent elections. In a bid for the presidency in 1960, he garnered only 10% of the votes. Following imprisonment under the Preventive Detention Act in 1961, he was released and later became President of the Ghana Bar Association until his imprisonment in 1964, where he ultimately passed away a year later.
In conclusion, Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah’s legacy is integral to Ghana’s political landscape and development. His unwavering commitment to democracy and national identity has had lasting effects on Ghanaian society. The words of Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin highlight the importance of acknowledging Danquah’s sacrifices and contributions, which continue to resonate through Ghana’s present-day freedoms and governance. Danquah’s life and work serve as a foundational pillar for Ghana’s enduring democracy.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
