1951 letter reveals JB Danquah’s opposition to Nkrumah’s independence call

A newly surfaced letter from 1951 sheds light on the political tensions between two prominent figures in Ghana’s history.

The letter, penned by Joseph Boakye Danquah, a key member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), reveals his staunch opposition to Kwame Nkrumah’s call for immediate independence from British colonial rule.

The letter, dated October 10, 1951, and addressed to J.A. Obdam in London, has recently been shared online by former Deputy Minister of Information, Felix Ofosu-Kwakye.

This revelation comes at a time when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s recent comments have sparked controversy by questioning Kwame Nkrumah’s role as the sole founder of Ghana.

Key Details of the Letter

In the letter, Danquah criticizes Nkrumah’s proposal for a united push towards immediate self-government. He labels Nkrumah’s call for an ultimatum to the British government and subsequent Positive Action—a series of strikes and boycotts—as a dangerous and unlawful move.

Danquah writes, “That man Kwame Nkrumah, who is Leader of Government Business, has started his tricks again. This time, he, who is the Government, is inviting all the political leaders and chiefs to join him to send an ultimatum to His Majesty’s Government of the United Kingdom for ‘SELF-GOVERNMENT NOW’ and if rejected, to declare Positive Action-strikes and boycott, etc.”

He further recounts that the UGCC convened a significant meeting to discuss Nkrumah’s call and unanimously rejected it, viewing it as an incitement to criminal conspiracy.

Historical Significance

The 1950s was a pivotal period for Ghana’s push for independence, marked by ideological conflicts among key leaders. Nkrumah’s radical approach, which included calls for immediate self-governance and civil disobedience, contrasted sharply with the UGCC’s more cautious stance.

This letter not only highlights these internal disagreements but also offers insight into the strategic debates that shaped Ghana’s path to independence.

The resurfacing of this letter provides valuable context for understanding the historical dynamics between Nkrumah and his contemporaries, illustrating the complexities and divergences within Ghana’s nationalist movement.

As discussions about Ghana’s founding figures continue, this document adds a new layer to the historical narrative, prompting renewed reflection on the contributions and conflicts that defined the country’s journey to self-rule.

Check out the letter below;

Dear Mr. Obdam,

I exceedingly regret delay in replying to your two letters. That man Kwame Nkrumah, who is Leader of Government Business, has started his tricks again, this time, he, who is the Government, is inviting all the political leaders and chiefs to join him to send an ultimatum to His Majesty’s Government of the United Kingdom for “SELF-GOVERNMENT NOW” and if rejected to declare Positive Action-strikes and boycott, etc.

“There has been hectic activity all over the place and on Sunday we of the UGCC met at a great meeting and turned down his “challenge” flat, as being an invitation to criminal conspiracy against law and order.”

I had to be away in Kumasi for long periods last month and I am just now clearing up a pile of work…

J. B. Danquah