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| Kwesi Pratt Jnr of the Socialist Forum |
That phrase summed up a lot. For those who had seen the
self-sacrifice and dedication to the cause of Ghana and Africa, the
circumstances under which Nkrumah died could only be an act of betrayal.
Nkrumah’s single mindedness ensured that Ghana became the first nation south of
the Sahara to gain her independence. In a short period of some nine years, the
country achieved a notable level of industrial development and also took on a
leading and successful role in pushing for the decolonisation of the African
continent.
His overthrow by the US Central Intelligence Agency together
with other Western agencies and local collaborators was therefore a major blow
to Ghana and Africa as well as the African Diaspora. The actions of the local
collaborators as well as those of some Africans were part of the reason Amilcar
Cabral spoke of betrayal. But in the decades that have since passed, the lies
told about Nkrumah have disappeared as the evidence of his actions and
intentions have become clear.
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| Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah |
Nkrumah was not only a man of action; he was also a man of
thought and his writings, speeches and sayings continue to ginger people to
action. His analysis of Africa’s problems as well as pointers to overcoming
them remains valid tools for moving Africa forward.
No wonder most Africans chose him as the man of the century
in a poll organised by the British Broadcasting Corporation.
On the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the
death of the Osagyefo, The Socialist Forum of Ghana pays a special tribute to
his memory in relation to the expansion of educational infrastructure after the
attainment of independence on March 6, 1957.
Measured against its 1951 Manifesto, the achievements of Nkrumah
and the CPP far exceeded expectation. According to Ministry of Education
statistical data, enrollment in primary schools was 102,138 in 1950 that is
before the CPP came to power. This figure increased to 456,290 in 1961 and to a
phenomenal 1,137,495 in 1966. During the period 1951-61, enrolment in 12
assisted secondary schools, including Achimota and non-assisted schools
increased from 2,776 and 3,319 to 9,882. By 1966, enrollment in public
secondary schools also increased to 42,111. Enrollment in middle schools had
increased by more than threefold in 1951 to 139,984 in 1961.Doubling to a
remarkable 267,434 in 1966. Two university colleges were set up in Accra and
Kumasi.
It is clear that Osagyefo and the Conventions Peoples Party
laid a solid foundation for widening access to education and improving manpower for accelerated national development.
So we remember the passing of the great man not in sorrow but in renewed
strength and commitment with the awareness that his sacrifices will not be in
vain as his legacy continues to guide us and all progressive forces around the
world.
Long live the Ideals of the Osagyefo
For
Convener
Issued
on Wednesday April 27,2016
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