The National Commission on Culture in collaboration with Abieku Sagoe Creative Consult has held a commemorative event to honour the enduring legacy and also mark the 53rd years since the passing of Osaagye Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President of at his Memorial Park in Accra.
The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, Mr. Wakefield Wisdom Akuaku delivering a keynote address, underscored the deeper significance of the occasion.
He revealed that the event was not only a tribute to Nkrumah’s memory but also a powerful reminder of the central role culture plays in national development.
“Today’s programme symbolizes more than a commemoration of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our nation but rather gives us the opportunity to reflect on the role of culture in shaping our identity and strengthening our collective resolve as a people” the Director stated.
According to him, Nkrumah believed that culture is the soul of a nation as he once said, ‘The future belongs to the masses who are conscious of their destiny’, and this consciousness begins with an understanding of our cultural heritage and the values that bind us.
Mr. Akuaku called on all Ghanaians to embrace the richness of the nation’s cultural heritage, including its music, arts, literature, and traditions as a source of inspiration and unity for future generations.
He expresed a heartfelt gratitude to all invited guests and especially to Abieku Sagoe Creative Consult for its valuable partnership. According to him, such collaborative efforts would have a lasting impact on the nation as it can meaningfully preserve the legacy of its great leaders and leave a significant influence on the Ghanaian society.
The Founder and Producer of Abeiku Sagoe’s Consult, Mr. Abeiku Sagoe in a welcome address proposed the introduction of a ceremonial “Change of Guard” at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park similar to practices in some international heritage sites.
He emphasised that such a ceremony could elevate the park’s appeal to both local and international tourists.
He further urged the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to adopt the memorial event as an official and an annual celebration on Ghana’s cultural calendar.
The event drew a number of high-profile attendees, including Dr. Emmanuel Kofi Mbiah, former CEO, Ghana Shippers Authority, Mr. Abeiku Aggrey Santana, Deputy Executive Director, Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Henry Herbert Malm, Acting Executive Director, National Theatre of Ghana, Ms. Bertha Amanor, Programs Coordinator, Ghana Education Service, and legendary actor and cultural figure, David Dontoh.