SECRET: How The British Considered Replacing Nkrumah With Asantehene

Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah

By Michael Kwabena Esson

Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, first president of Ghana suffered hugely from internal problems within his party and also the intrigue and sabotage of the West including the Government of Britain.

Newly declassified memos and letters from the commonwealth and foreign office clearly finger the British establishment, including its High Commission in Accra as prime movers of the conspiracy against Nkrumah.

The shocking revelations point to the fact that at one stage, the British establishment  was playing with the idea of replacing Nkrumah with the Asantehene.

The idea was abandoned only on account of the ill health of the Asantehene.

From today, “The Insight” will start the publication of these confidential materials as part of activities marking  the 50^th anniversary of the 1966 coup sponsored by the Central Intelligence Agency of the USA.

File 2WAKl163

File begins 7 Dec 1962

File title: Mr Kobina Kessie
Heading: Biographies
Marked SECRET

From: M. McMullen, on 7 Dec 1962
To: V.C. Martin

Dear Martin

The Secretary of State may like to see the note behind the draft on a recent S.L.O. Report from Accra, which tends to support Mr Russell's information that Nkrumah may be 'on his way out'. It is not however, thought that the Asantehene is in the running as a possible successor. He is an old man suffering from advanced tuberculosis. He is returning to Ghana accompanied by his British medical adviser this weekend and is not expected to live long thereafter.

In a confused and obscure political situation such as that obtaining in Ghana today, it would not be surprising if there were 'understandings' between those on the fringes of power who are of the same tribe. Something of the same kind in the Ga tribe seems to have been behind the Adamafio arrests.

The Secretary of State might wish to reply along the lines of the draft opposite.

M. McMullen 7.12.62 .

Mr Chadwick

The information in the letter at (2) that Nkrumah may be 'on his way out' has already been reported to us by our Office in Accra and has in fact been discussed with astonishing frankness by the head of the Ghanaian Special Branch with the S.L.O. in Accra.
Mr McMullen's note behind the draft reply summarises this recent conversation between Mr Harlley and Mr Thompson.

The BBC correspondent who has been in Accra recently has reported much the same impression, ie, that educated Ghanaians are now beginning to talk openly about a possible successor to Nkrumah.

In view of the Asantehene' s present state of health, it is, however, extremely unlikely that he could take over power in Ghana at present. To that extent, the information in the letter at (2) is certainly wide of the mark.

The Secretary of State may wish to reply to Mr Martin Russell with a simple acknowledgement. In view of the information given, it might be rather awkward to go into further details.

v. C. Martin

10.12.62

head of Commonwealth Relations Office West African Political Dept

SECRET

C. Duke writes on 15 July 1964
To: VC Martin

It has been suggested in I.R.D. in the F.O that it would be useful to have a book published which would show up the nature of Nkrumah's activities in Black Africa generally and in particular in East Africa.

Someone who is considered likely to be a suitable author for such a book is Mr Cobina Kessie who was, until lately, the Ghanaian ambassador in Cairo for a number of years. He was apparently given this appointment as a staunch supporter of Nkrumah but subsequently became disillusioned and has now come to this country.

It is fully appreciated that the promotion of such a book would have to be strictly unattributable. IRD seek our agreement that an approach should be made to Mr Kessie by a Director of the Bodley Head who would publish the book as a straight commercial undertaking. There would be no indication of any official connection with it.

Would you agree to this proposal?
C. Duke

15.7.64

V.C. Martin minute:

"He has changed sides more than once. In the past he has also supported Dr Busia.

VCM, 17.8.64

"I discussed again with Mr VC Martin the proposal to encourage Mr Kessie to write a book about Nkrumah originally raised in my minute of 15/7. Mr Martin made 2 points:

(a) It would be greatly preferable that such a book should be published (if at all) outside the ... [British official circles].

(b) Nkrumah is firmly in the saddle in Ghana and provides at least a point of stability. Do we really want to attack and weaken him personally? If he were pulled down, what would follow? Mr Martin considered that the attack could rather be aimed at Nkrumah's left wing activities.

22.9.64

I have discussed this matter further also with Mr ... in IRD.
There is no difficulty anticipated in arranging for publication issue of Gbedemah's latest manifesto, which called upon the police and armed forces to withdraw their allegiance to Nkrumah.

Mr Halley alleged that the CPP was hopelessly split into factions. The widespread wish for a change of regime was felt even by ministers and MPs. The discontented elements lacked cohesion because they had no focal point of leadership. This he thought Gbedemah might be able to supply.

Mr Harlley implied that the police might in some circumstances withdraw their allegiance to the President. He added that police morale was low at present but considered that the police would remain loyal to Commissioner Madjitey as the army would be to General Out.

Mr Harlley suggested that one of the first changes would be to sever Ghana's ties with the Communist bloc. Disillusionment with the Russians, the SLO reports, is becoming widespread."

VERY CONFIDENTIAL
3 Nov 1962

Written by Martin Russell
To: Duncan Sandys, MP

"May I introduce myself by saing that I am a member of Whites and that one of my aunts, Lady Russell, is Ismene Dixon's sister. So I have met your daughter Edwina on a number of  occasions.

The reason I write to you is that some great friends of mine are great friends of Ghana's ambassador in Cairo, Kessi. Kessi was previously the ambassador in Pekin. He is an Ashanti.

A few days ago Kessi was in London and he took my friends to a night club in the company of the King of Ashanti, who is in London for medical reasons. In the course of the evening, I am not sure at what point, Kessi informed my friends that Nkrumah was 'on the way out' and that his position was to be taken by the King of Ashanti.

I have met Kessi on a number of occasions and do not believe he has given to romancing. But it would not be out of keeping if he became indiscreet in the late evening. I thought you would like to know this.

As I know Kessi a little, I will mention three explanations that occur to me. First, Nkrumah may be about to retire voluntarily, as Julius Nyerere did. Secondly, Kessi, who admired Lumumba greatly, may be involved in a Communist plot. Thirdly, always imagined that Nkrumah had sent Kessi to Pekin to keep him out of the country and neutralise him whilst Appiah was in prison, so I suppose it is conceivable some kind of Ashanti rebellion is planned.

 But I should have thought Kessi was too intelligent to be implicated in such a thing. But perhaps he is not intelligent!

Martin Russell. "

Document

British high commission, Accra, briefing paper (1 Oct 1961) for Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, Duncan Sandy's visit to Ghana

Development Aid

"Despite the Commonwealth connection, our contribution of aid to Ghana's development since independence has been less than our aid in the same period, e.g. Yugoslavia.

. . . "On no single occasion have we ever supported an African state in a dispute with a European state - e.g, France vs Algerian nationalists, France atomic tests in Africa, the use of force by France to maintain their base at Biserta; support for Portugal at the UN and Portugal's colonial policies; Congo - UK connived with the UN against Congolese nationalists, supported South Africa because of economic and other interests.

Editorial

THE BRITISH ANGLE

This week many Ghanaians have joined in the observance of the 50^th anniversary of the February 24, 1966 Coup which toppled the Government of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Founder of the state of Ghana.

There has been no doubt that the Coup which is largely responsible for the Ghana’s current state of underdevelopment was sponsored by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States of America with the assistance of other western governments and their intelligence agencies.

Over the years, more and more evidence of the involvement of Western agencies in the overthrow of Nkrumah has been obtained or made available.

What “The Insight “is beginning to serialize from today are declassified documents of the British Commonwealth and foreign office.

These documents are simply damning!

They tell the story of a crumbling colonial empire desperate to continue the dictation of the future  of the newly liberated Ghana.

The documents speak of what the British had lost or were likely to lose because of Nkrumah’s socialist motivations.

 They also tell us that those who truly want to maintain the independence of Ghana will have to face the bigotry and the scorn of the West.

The documents will speak for themselves in the weeks ahead about the involvement of the British establishment in the criminal overthrow of the Nkrumah Government.

POLLUTION OF THE AIRWAVES

Kwesi Gyan Apenteng, Chair of the Ghana Media Commission

By Yaw Bediako

Freeing the airwaves was expected to allow diverse opinions to mingle, support and contradict one another with a view to arriving at well thought decisions to benefit society.

What we have been witnessing these days puts into question the rationale behind the freeing of the airwaves. Innuendo, factious accusations, bad language and frivolous attack seem for some as the ultimate in what is supposed to be political discussions.

If these are educating us then we are having a rather peculiar form of education. One that makes us suspicious of everyone else, that introduces information without the slightest care as to the veracity or otherwise, so that before anyone can see what is happening; a long yarn is woven that becomes rather difficult to unweave.

Gradually more and more commentators are mastering this and are repeating lies to the extent that even otherwise critical people find themselves unwittingly spreading these stories.

So far, we have been able to avoid disaster, but it is no comfort. The unfounded accusations are neither harmless nor neutral. They may very well trigger actions which could be costly and tragic.

Because of our history, one will not advocate for any draconian measures to combat such tendencies as these also have their own inherent dangers.

What is required is better judgment and better regulation of content by the professionals who have the privilege of producing and hosting programes.

We need to recognize that debates can still be interesting, useful and engaging without descending into gutters.

 By the way, what are the Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA) and the National Media Commission (NMC) doing?

Editorial

SHIFTING LEFT

There have been very interesting developments on the global political scene over the last few years.

The decision of the United States of America to end its futile attempts to violently overthrow the Cuban revolution and the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of Labour Party in the United Kingdom were significant.

Last week something equally dramatic happened in the United States of America. Bernie Sanders, a well acclaimed leftist overtook the establishment candidate, Hillary Clinton in the race for the Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party.

Who could have believed the debate in the Democratic Party would be centered on which of the Presidential hopefuls are the most progressive.

Even Hilary Clinton claimed that she is more progressive than Bernie Sanders.

Perhaps the world has begun shifting Left and it is significant.

TUC BOSS SPEAKS

TUC Secretary-General, Kofi Asamoah

Comrade Kofi Asamoah, the Secretary- General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) will lead a discussion on “The Impact of the 1966 Coup on Trade Unionism” at the Hall of Trade Unions on Thursday, 17th February, 2016.

The discussion organized jointly by the TUC and the Socialist Forum of Ghana (SFG) is part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the overthrow of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

 It is scheduled to start at 4:00 pm and workers, trade unionists, youth and student groups and political activists have been invited to participate in it.

 The TUC was an integral part of the CPP before the 1966 coup.

 Following the Coup, an attempt was made to dismantle the “check-off” system under which enterprises paid the dues of unionized workers directly to Trade Unions.

 The Industrial Relations Act of 1965 has also been seriously amended since the coup.

 Other activities planned to mark the anniversary include a grand symposium at the Accra International Conference Centre.

It will be addressed by Dr Yao Graham of the Third World Network and Professor Raymond Osei of the University of Cape Coast.

This event will be preceded by seminars on the youth and students, arts and culture and the gender movement.

The events are jointly sponsored by the SFG and CPP.

LEPROSY: Ghana Reaches Eradication Stage In Fight Against The Disease

Alex Segbefia, Health Minister

Ghana has reached the eradication stage in the fight against leprosy, Dr. Ekow Amankrah-Otabir, National Programme Manager of Leprosy, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has disclosed.

With more than 40,000 registered cases in the country around 1948, the figure has reduced to only 385 as of December last year.

Speaking at the 2016 World Leprosy Day celebration held on at Elmina to celebrate their achievement and educate the public on the disease, he said the improvement and sustenance of the treatment of the disease by the service was paying off.

The celebration, which was on the theme” Early Case Detection, Minimizes Stigmatization” was attended by technical officers and their deputies of the Ghana Leprosy Service from across the country.

He said the GHS and its partners would not be complacent on the achievements made,  but   would continue to intensify efforts to ensure a leprosy free Ghana and appealed to the general public to report cases early to enable them to cure the disease completely.

Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium Leprae (M. Leprae), a rod shaped bacillus that affects mainly the skin and the nerves.

The first sign of leprosy is the appearance of patches on the skin which are accompanied by a loss of sensation at the affected areas.

Dr. Amankrah-Otabir said treatment was free and on an out-patient basis and therefore, did not required isolation of patients but however added that there was no vaccination for it.

He said there had been a tremendous progress from the era when there were over 40,000 registered cases to fewer than 370 cases, adding that the success had been as a result of commitment on the part of Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and officials of the GHS.

He said the leprosarium had been upgraded to a Leprosy Hospital where only patients with complications were admitted and managed and that once a patient had been diagnosed and treatment had begun, he or she was not a threat to anyone.

Dr. Amankrah-Otabir identified stigmatization as a major problem confronting leprosy patients and the Leprosy and advised the public not to use the phrase “Cured Lepers” as nobody was born with leprosy.

Mr. Jackson Kofi Nyarko, a panel member of the tropical Neglected Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) bemoaned how disabled persons were treated in the country and called on Governments to offer help that seeks to empower them.

“The help must come in a form that will empower us to do something to earn a living and not the mere provision of clothes, food and other relief items which may only last for some few days,” he said.

Mr. Nyarko who was once a leprosy patient said disabled persons were also capable of doing any other work and therefore should be offered equal job opportunities instead of camping them at one place.

Editorial

QUALITY ON THE AIRWAVES

A multi- media regime by itself cannot guarantee good quality and this has been demonstrated over and over again in recent times.

Indeed the indications are that the advent of plural media has come with very low quality.

Today, it is normal to hear fully grown adults hurling unprintable insults at themselves on prime time radio or television.

The degeneration is complete with adult and otherwise respectable persons in society describing their body parts on air.

The translation of the news from English to Twi or any other language is even worse.

The careless use of proverbs and other idiomatic expressions distorts meaning and misinforms the listening public.

Another issue is the attempt to excite ethnic and religious hatred on the airwaves.

The situation is getting out of hand and the National Media Commission and others like the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) ought to step in to maintain acceptable standards.

Do our laws really work in Ghana?

President John Mahama

By Dr. Michael J.K. Bokor

Folks, there is no doubt that Ghana is relatively stable and attracts international interest. Many are those rushing to relocate there to pursue their agenda in life, even as Ghanaians themselves desert the country for foreign lands, where they are reduced to non-humans. The foreigners have virtually taken over the country; and there is a lot going on wrong in that pursuit to provoke us, especially when we consider their negative activities. Do the laws in Ghana really bite? If not, why not?

Forget about the self-destructive claim that Ghanaians are hospitable. Senseless hospitality endangers national life, especially when the doors are thrown open for foreigners to be where they are not needed or when their activities endanger limb and property but cannot be checked or stopped because of systemic problems.

The focus is now on the Fulani nomads plying their damaging trade all over the country, incurring the anger of indigenes but enjoying whatever their circumstances offer them. And they are operating everywhere in the country because they know how to play their cards. But playing their cards endangers our national resources and lives. If you doubt it, just read the news report here (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Forest-guards-abandon-posts-over-Fulani-herdsmen-413387), for instance.

We have also been told about the arrest of some Yemenis without valid documents trying to enter Ghana. Why not when the government is harbouring two of their compatriots? Ghana is open to anything at this time. Why so?

In addition to that danger is the influx of the Chinese, who have virtually settled in the groove in Ghana to do things with impunity. They are everywhere, mining gold and diamond, establishing enclaves and practising prostitution, entering into forest reserves and exploiting the resources, and selling just anything anywhere to prove that they are really in charge of some sectors of the Ghanaian national life that they can call their own. And Ghanaians are chafing all over the place but can’t act to rid themselves of such undesirables. Why is it so? Why should it be so that Ghanaians should be held “hostage” by these foreigners in their own land of birth?

The answers to this question lie nowhere but on the laps of our political authorities. Should we begin with the crave for support from China to grow our economy under Presidents Kufuor and Mils or Mahama? Take them apart and you will see why Kufuor paid a visit to Beijing and relished whatever was offered him even at the time that his Chinese counterpart was undertaking a foreign tour, indicating to the Ghanaian authorities before Kufuor’s visit that he won’t be available to host him.

Then, bring in the desperate moves by Atta Mills to secure a 13-billion Dollar loan from China to support his “Better Ghana” agenda. Nothing has come from China thus far (even under Mahama) because the Chinese won’t just be comfortable playing the Father Christmas role. Nothing goes for nothing. Yes, China claimed it had money to give Ghana; but what could Ghana offer China in turn for a solid quid pro quo arrangement to be effected?

Behind it all was the hidden agenda of China to spread its tentacles everywhere, especially in Africa, taking advantage of the bad-blood relationship existing between formerly colonized Africa and its colonial masters. Thus, China presented itself as a friend in need and a friend indeed. Nothing concrete has come to Ghana in that co0nstruction.

History reminds us of what had happened under the Great Osagyefo when all that China presented to Ghana under Chou En Lai was a mere political rhetoric to clothe Nkrumah in the Chinese costume and present him to the world as the champion of communism in Africa. He lost big time. Has Ghana gained anything from China since then? Nothing.

Thus, when Kufuor and Mills began gravitating toward China, some enlightened folks expressed serious concerns that they were only preparing Ghana for the slaughter house. Reason didn’t prevail. What do we have today under Mahama to account for all those efforts? The influx of Chinese undesirables to annoy Ghanaians!! Forget about the political rhetoric and concentrate on economic reality. We are being duped by these Chinese and must wake up to that painful reality to get rid of them!!

As is reported daily, the activities of these Chinese undesirables are despicable. Unfortunately, no one in authority is ready to muster up enough courage to act promptly for them to be dealt with. Why is it so? Could it because of the warning given about two years ago by the Chinese government to the Ghanaian one on how not to mistreat Chinese elements entering Ghana? And why should the Ghanaian authorities cower? Why can’t our government stand firm against the bullying tactics of the Chinese authorities? (Folks, we are aware of some scandals involving Ghanaian government officials on official business in China being bribed with petty gifts and what-not.) We wrote about such scandals some years back. Is anybody in government, therefore, looking over the shoulders and, therefore, scared of being exposed if he leads the fight against these Chinese undesirables?)

True, Ghana needs the help of other countries to solve its internal economic problems; but it doesn’t have to accommodate undesirables whose activities compound problems. Unfortunately, it seems those in authority are more willing to sacrifice the national interest to sustain the activities of those undesirables than to serve the interests of Ghanaians. I am particularly concerned about the devastation of Ghana’s forest reserves by these Chinese undesirables. As reported, they have caused so much havoc as to alarm every sane Ghanaian.

The snag is that the Ghanaian authorities are quick to take action against Ghanaian citizens entering forest reserves to exploit the resources, but incapable of doing so to the Chinese undesirables or the Fulanis now haranguing the society. Why should it be so? Do we really have any regard for the Ghanaian anymore? Or do we have laws that really work? If so, why can’t action be taken against these foreign elements, especially the Chinese undesirables? Who in Ghana is providing a safe haven for these undesirables to act the way they do? Who is cushioning them?

I am highly disappointed in our government and the institutions charged with securing national assets and integrity. Is the Ghana Immigration Service really up to its responsibilities? How do the Chinese undesirables get the green light to settle in Ghana to do things the way they do them to annoy us? What are the various security apparatuses (national, regional, metropolitan/municipal/district) doing things? Why are we in Ghana so porous in our attitude to matters of this sort?

Folks, it is clear that law and order have broken down, which allows all these undesirables to enter the country and do things anyhow. It is not so in other countries. What at all is happening? I am more than appalled. If care is not taken, the situation will deteriorate further to destabilize our country. Too bad for a country with over-abundant resources yet wallowing in poverty because of the shortsightedness of its national leaders and the criminal laxity of its state and local law-enforcement authorities. It is not so in other countries.

In the United States, for instance, one cannot just cut down a tree (whether the branch or stem) on one’s own, regardless of where the tree is located on the property (especially if that property is residential) without p8unishment. One cannot just develop land because one claims it or because one has money for that purpose. Everything is circumscribed within the law. We in Ghana are lagging behind, which is why anything goes; and we suffer the negative backlash that unconscionable politicians exploit to deepen woes.

Ghana can never be built on lawlessness. That is why I find the goings-on to be reprehensible. I challenge President Mahama and his team to act decisively so the relevant institutions can stop the menace. Otherwise, it won’t be surprising when foreigners dig in and enslave Ghanaians on their own soil.

I shall return…

·         E-mail: mjbokor@yahoo.com

·         Join me on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/mjkbokor to continue the conversation.

CELEBRATING THE LEGENDARY OF BOB MARLEY

Bob Marley

The birthday of Jamaica’s reggae maestro, Bob Marley, has been earmarked as a special event to celebrate The Legend in February. Since his passing on three decades ago, Marley’s ingenious music recordings have survived to this day and can boast millions of audience worldwide.  

Initially, I was reluctant to write this article because of the reaction of some disgruntled Rastafarians, following my publication on Haile Selassie I titled, ‘The myth about Jah Rastafari’.

However, I was encouraged by the overwhelming feedback from some readers who flooded my e-mail with messages. It is obvious that majority of those who read the article were pleased.

   

In summary, the objective of that article was to demystify the divinity of Haile Selassie. In fact, the Ethiopian emperor cautioned Rastas not to worship, but some still believe he was God-incarnate. 

It is worth mentioning that, as a fan of Bob Marley and reggae, I have no ulterior motive against Rasta in any way. My aim was to educate the public about the concept of ‘Jah Rastafari’.

There is an adage that,” Telling someone the truth is a loving act”. It is often said that the truth hurts, but it is better to tell someone the truth and make them cry than to tell a lie and make them happy.

Undoubtedly, thousands of reggae lovers and Rastas around the globe will celebrate the 71st anniversary of The Legend. Of course, I am not an exception, most especially because my wife, Dzifa Annan, shares the same birthday as Bob Marley. 

Early life of ‘The Legend’

Robert Nesta Marley was born on 6th February, 1945 in Jamaica. The reggae maestro was popularly known as Bob Marley or The Legend. His parents were Captain Norval Marley and Cedella Booker.

His father was an English marine officer, and his mother a black Jamaican. The British Captain met Cedella when she was a teenager. They planned to get married in 1944, but Norval’s family opposed their union on racial grounds. 

In the course of their relationship, Cedella became pregnant and gave birth to Bob Marley in 1945 at the age of 18. Captain Marley named his son ‘Robert Nesta Marley’.

With pressure mounting from Norval’s family, the relationship between the Caucasian captain and the black Jamaican girl faded away. 

Some years later, Norval Marley died in 1955 after seeing his son only once. The last time little Bob saw his father was at the age of five. He grew up poor and sometimes slept without food.

Growing up fatherless in the ghetto of Trench Town, poor Bob suffered racial hostility because of his mixed bloodline. In spite of that, he identified himself with the black race.

The Wailers

At the age of 14, Bob’s talent (music) began to manifest. He learned how to play the guitar and wrote his own songs. It is believed that Marley’s love for music was inherited from his Christian mother who was known for her lovely singing voice.

Little Bob released his first recording, “Judge Not “in 1962 when he was 17. His song proved to be a hit and that paved way for a brighter future in his musical career.

His ambition of rising to stardom saw the light of day when he formed the famous vocalist group, ‘The Wailers’ in 1963.  The group was made up of some celebrated artists including, Bunny Livingstone and Peter Tosh.

When the original ‘Wailers’ was dissolved in 1974, he formed ‘Bob Marley and the Wailers’ with Bob himself as guitarist, songwriter, and main singer. His backing team was the Wailers’ Band and the ‘I Threes’ vocalists.

Honours & awards

The Jamaican songwriter touched millions with his philosophical music. A few of his greatest songs were, “Three Little Birds”, “Buffalo Soldier”, “Africa Unite”, “One Love” “Exodus”, and “No Woman No Cry”, just to mention a few.

In 1999, his ‘Exodus’ album was adjudged “Album of the Century” by Time Magazine, and ‘One Love’ was named “Song of the Millennium” by the BBC.

In 1978, Bob was awarded a ‘Peace Medal’ by the United Nations in recognition of his efforts for peace, equal rights, and justice’ for Africa.

Bob Marley’s popular songs have, posthumously, won several awards and honours worldwide.

Support for Africa unity

Like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Bob Marley was intensely passionate about pan-Africanism, Africa unity, freedom and black empowerment.

Most of his songs touched on freedom, politics, slavery, peace, racial equality, and above all love.  

During his One Love Peace concert in 1978, Bob Marley united two Jamaican political leaders on stage – Prime Minister Michael Manley and opposition leader Edward Saega.

In his revolutionary songs, “Get Up, Stand Up” and “Revolution”, the reggae legend challenged Africans to rise and fight the ‘oppressor’ for their freedom.

He recorded the “Redemption Song” and “Africa Unite” condemning racism. One of his popular songs, “Zimbabwe” was released when he performed at Zimbabwe’s independence celebration day in 1980. 

Rastafarianism

Bob Marley became the most famous advocate of Rastafari in the 60s. His outstanding gift for songwriting and vocal style gained the Rastafari movement an overwhelming recognition worldwide.

As a proponent of ‘Jah Rastafari’, Bob Marley composed over 170 songs highlighting the elements of Rasta philosophy. Some of his religious tracks were, “Forever Loving Jah” and “Exodus”.

Interestingly, Bob Marley accepted baptism few years before his death. According to his Christian mother, Bob’s final words were, “Jesus, take me”. 

Family and social life

Bob married Rita Anderson in 1966 when he was 21. Rita became one of Marley’s backing vocalists that formed the ‘I-Threes’. The young couple had four children.

Aside the four, Marley fathered many children out-of-wedlock and had several lovers, including Cindy Breakspeare (Miss World 1976). His relationship with Cindy led to the birth of Damien Marley in 1978.

Even though Bob loved football, his passion for reggae was superb. In 1977, he injured his right big toe while playing soccer and the wound became cancerous.

Bob Marley died of malignant melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer, on 11th May, 1981 at the age of 36. While on his sickbed, he said to his first son Ziggy Marley, “Money cant’ buy life”.

ASP James Annan

Gt. Accra Regional PRO

Senior Correctional Centre

jamesannan2006@gmail.com