 |
| Dr. Kwame Nkrumah |
Today, the country celebrates the birthday of a son who lived a worth celebrating life on earth. Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana’s first President and he led the country to independence and gained self rule from British Colonial Powers.
At you sit at home and enjoy the holiday that comes with this celebration, here are a few things you should know about Kwame Nkrumah.
1. Kwame Nkrumah was born Francis Nwia-Kofi Ngonloma in September 21 to Ghanaian parents at Nkroful in the Western Region of Ghana.
2. Although the name of his father is not really known, sources say he was called Kofi Ngonloma and was a goldsmith whereas his mother was known as Elizabeth Nyaniba who was a salesperson.
3. Had Nkrumah been alive today as we celebrate him, Kwame Nkrumah would have been 107 years today.
4. Kwame Nkrumah after been trained as a teacher at Government Training College taught at Catholic Primary in Elmina.
5. Kwame Nkrumah changed his name from Kofi to Kwame Nkrumah in 1945 when he was furthering his studies in London London.
6. Kwame Nkrumah came back to Ghana in 1947 to join United Gold Coast Convention where he was appointed the General Secretary. However, he challenged the statusquo and for that reason, he was demoted from General Secretary to treasurer.
7. Kwame Nkrumah broke away from UGCC in 1949 to form Convention Peoples Party that defied all odds to lead Gold Coast to Independence.
8.. Kwame Nkrumah ‘ s approach to independence was not the slow paced or diplomatic approach but was rather radical. He organized a host of demonstrations sit down strikes to get the British to relinquish power.
9. In 1957 Nkrumah together with some other freedom fighters declared Ghana as an Independent country.
10. Kwame Nkrumah believed that there should be a United State of Africa and for this reason he is one of the founding fathers Organization of African Unity.
11. In July 1960, Kwame Nkrumah declared Ghana a Republic State.
12. Kwame Nkrumah married an Egyptian bank worker and former teacher, Fathia Rizk with whom he had three children.
