Ghana’s Historical Narratives: A Reflection on Deceit and Identity Crisis
Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi argues that Ghana’s issues with historical narratives foster a culture of deceit and dishonesty. His comments reflect the ongoing disputes regarding influential figures such as Dr. Nkrumah, JB Danquah, and Rawlings, noting that this discord stems from pre-independence political maneuvering. He stresses the need for an honest historical narrative to address the country’s identity crisis.
Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, the Dean of the University of Professional Studies Law School, asserts that Ghana’s struggle with historical narratives is detrimental to its integrity and honesty. He attributes the nation’s historical dishonesty to pre-independence factions that manipulated the independence narrative for political gain.
In a recent post on his official X account, Professor Abotsi stated that “Ghana’s lack of objective history reflects on our self-deceit and dishonesty and our pre-induced greed and historical appropriation which remains our bane today.” This statement references ongoing disputes regarding the legacies of key figures such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, JB Danquah, and Jerry John Rawlings.
The Professor emphasized that the absence of an inclusive and objective historical account has led to an identity crisis in Ghana, with the past continuing to impact the present negatively. He criticized political actors for exploiting historical narratives to further their own agendas, often harming the nation in the process.
Recently, during Parliament proceedings, MP Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed claimed that JB Danquah should not be honored, labeling him a traitor and a CIA informant. This assertion ignited a controversy, prompting the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council to call for an investigation and a retraction from the MP regarding his statements.
In conclusion, Professor Abotsi’s insights highlight the critical nature of confronting historical narratives in Ghana. The manipulation of history for personal or political gain has deep implications, leading to societal deception and an identity crisis. It is vital for Ghana to cultivate a more objective and inclusive historical understanding to heal from its past and build a unified future.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
