Who is JB Danquah and why does Akufo-Addo wants UG named after him

Joseph Boakye Danquah, commonly referred to as J.B. Danquah, was a Ghanaian statesman, lawyer, and politician who played a significant role in the pre-independence and early post-independence history of Ghana. He was born on December 18, 1895, and tragically died in police custody on February 4, 1965. He is often remembered for his advocacy for Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule and for his contributions to Ghana’s political and legal landscape.

Here are some key points about J.B. Danquah’s life and contributions:

1. Early Life and Education: J.B. Danquah was born in Bepong, in what was then the Gold Coast (now Ghana). He came from a well-educated and influential family. He studied at Achimota School and later pursued higher education at the University of London, where he earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy.
2. Political Activism: J.B. Danquah was a prominent advocate for Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule. He was a co-founder of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947, a political party that aimed to achieve self-governance for the Gold Coast. The UGCC played a crucial role in the early stages of the country’s push for independence.
3. The Big Six: J.B. Danquah was one of the “Big Six” leaders of the UGCC who were arrested and detained by the British colonial authorities in 1948 following the violent incident known as the “1948 Accra Riots.” The Big Six became symbolic figures in the struggle for independence.
4. Contribution to Constitutional Development: Danquah was known for his work on constitutional development and legal matters. He drafted the motion for the Gold Coast’s independence, which was presented to the British Parliament in 1950. He was also instrumental in drafting Ghana’s first republican constitution in 1960.
5. Literary and Scholarly Contributions: J.B. Danquah was not only involved in politics but also made contributions to literature and scholarship. He was a prolific writer and historian who authored books and articles on various topics, including the history of the Akan people.
6. Relationship with Kwame Nkrumah: J.B. Danquah had ideological differences with Kwame Nkrumah, another prominent Ghanaian independence leader. Nkrumah led the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and ultimately became the first Prime Minister and President of Ghana. The rivalry between Danquah and Nkrumah often played out in the political arena.
7. Death and Legacy: J.B. Danquah died in police custody under controversial circumstances on February 4, 1965. His death led to accusations of political persecution and abuse of power. He is remembered as one of the pioneers of Ghana’s independence movement and a champion of constitutional governance.

Today, J.B. Danquah is recognized as a significant figure in Ghana’s history, particularly for his contributions to the early political landscape and his efforts in advancing the cause of Ghanaian independence. His legacy continues to be a subject of discussion and debate within the context of Ghana’s historical and political narrative.

President Akufo-Addo eulogised the late Joseph Boakye Danquah a former presidential candidate in 1960 saying he played a major role in the establishment of the University of Ghana.

The President giving a speech during the 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the institution expressed his conviction that history will view JB Danquah favourably considering the efforts he put in place to see to the establishment of UG.

President Akufo-Addo highlighted how Joseph Boakye Danquah’s commitment to ensuring Ghana had its university led to the founding of the University of Ghana.

He described JB Danquah as visionary adding that the legacy of Joseph Boakye Danquah might even warrant consideration for naming the University of Ghana after him, given the historical significance of his contributions.

“Indeed, in many other jurisdictions where there is less heat in their politics and more attachment to the fact of historical record, it would not have been out of place to have this university named after him. Who knows, one day it may well happen.”

“It will be wholly appropriate and not at all far-fetched to describe Joseph Boakye Danquah as the founder of this university [the University of Ghana], a fact that, on the 75th anniversary of its existence, should be vividly recalled by all of us who are being and are the beneficiaries of his work,” he said.

In response, the Builsa South legislator declared that the president is aiming to change the country’s history.

As a result, he has requested him to wait and name the national cathedral after JB Danquah.

He also stated that the president’s attempt to rewrite Ghana’s history to benefit his family will fail.

In a tweet, he stated that the warped history under this regime would be reversed after the 2024 presidential election.