The Danquah-Busia Tradition: A Fiction in Ghana’s Political Narrative

Historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong claims that the Danquah-Busia Tradition is a myth created by a faction of the NPP to counter Ashanti political dominance. In an interview, he argues that Danquah, being part of the UGCC, was never recognized as a leader by the Ashantis, who favored Busia instead, demonstrating the fabricated nature of this tradition.

Historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong has asserted that the concept of the Danquah-Busia Tradition is a fabricated notion within Ghana’s political landscape, specifically by a faction of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He contends that this invention was a strategic response to counter the Ashanti political influence in Ghana.

In an interview on Onua TV, Frimpong stated that the Akyem faction of the NPP, which did not belong to earlier political groups like the United Party (UP) or the National Liberation Movement (NLM), invented the Danquah-Busia idea to enhance their political standing. He questioned why J.B. Danquah was not chosen as the leader of the NLM during the 1950s secession disputes despite being an influential figure.

Additionally, Frimpong highlighted that J.B. Danquah, a pivotal figure among the founders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), never aligned with either the NLM or the UP. He suggested that the Ashanti political realm had deliberately opted for Busia instead, emphasizing that Danquah’s relevance was not recognized among them at that time.

Frimpong elaborated that the focus of the UGCC was primarily on the autonomy of coastal regions rather than the entire nation. Thus, he posited that the Ashantis, seeking a formidable candidate against Nkrumah, intentionally overlooked Danquah as a leader due to the limited scope of the UGCC’s objectives.

In summary, Yaw Anokye Frimpong challenges the legitimacy of the Danquah-Busia Tradition, asserting that it emerged from a political necessity created by a faction within the NPP to diminish Ashanti dominance in Ghanaian politics. He emphasizes the historical context of J.B. Danquah’s political affiliations to elucidate why he was not regarded as a leader by the Ashantis at the time. Frimpong’s insights invite a reevaluation of Ghana’s political narratives and allegiances.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com