LAWYER ANOKYE FRIMPONG REFLECTS ON GHANA’S INDEPENDENCE AND NKRUMAH’S LEGACY ON GHANA NTI.

Accra, Ghana Lawyer Anokye Frimpong has shared strong views on Ghana’s Independence history and leadership legacy during an interview with Nana Nhyiraba Kwabena Asrifi on Ghana Nti Today on ICAD TV. 1844 Bond and Colonial Era Speaking on the origins of Ghana’s colonial experience, Lawyer Frimpong traced events back to 1844, explaining that when the British arrived initially for trade, they later consulted local chiefs over governance matters. According to him, some chiefs agreed to British protection arrangements, while the Ashanti Kingdom resisted. He noted that the 1844 Bond marked a turning point, bringing an end to certain traditional practices such as human sacrifice and introducing concepts of human rights and equality before the law. However, he emphasized that while colonial rule introduced some legal reforms — which he described as “about 20 percent positive” — the greater impact (which he estimated at “80 percent”) was the exploitation of Ghana’s natural resources. “They took our raw materials, processed them into finished goods, and forced us to buy them. We had no factories of our own until independence,” he stated. Path to Independence He referenced the 1947 formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) before the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah accelerated the push for full independence. Lawyer Frimpong praised Dr. Nkrumah for infrastructure development, including the construction of the Accra–Tema Motorway and major national institutions such as Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and the Kotoka International Airport (originally developed during Nkrumah’s era). Independence: Gains and Missed Opportunities When asked whether Ghana has truly benefited from independence, he responded, “Yes and no.” He acknowledged the freedom and sovereignty symbolized by celebrating Independence Day on March 6, but expressed concern about missed opportunities in industrialization and technological advancement. He suggested that Ghana could have advanced further in areas such as cocoa processing and industrial manufacturing instead of continuing to export raw materials. “Nothing is better than being independent,” he stressed, adding that Dr. Nkrumah’s mindset of industrial transformation was not continued by subsequent political leaders. Lawyer Frimpong concluded by defending Nkrumah’s legacy, stating that no president has matched the scale of educational and infrastructural development achieved under his leadership. “When I hear people say they have worked more than Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, I believe they do not understand history,” he remarked. The discussion formed part of the station’s Independence Day reflections on Ghana’s historical journey and national development.