Former President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other dignitaries attended the 60th Remembrance Service for J.B. Danquah in Kyebi. Danquah played an important role in Ghana’s political history, unsuccessfully contesting Dr. Nkrumah in the 1960 presidential election, facing arrests, and ultimately dying in custody in 1965. His contributions to the country were acknowledged posthumously.
Former President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo attended the 60th Remembrance Service for John Boakye Danquah, commonly known as J.B. Danquah, in Kyebi, Eastern Region. He was joined by the former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo and the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin. Danquah is remembered as a significant figure in Ghana’s political heritage, having contested against Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in the April 1960 presidential election, albeit unsuccessfully.
On October 3, 1961, J.B. Danquah was apprehended under the Preventive Detention Act on charges of conspiring against the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and attempting to assassinate Dr. Nkrumah. Following his release in June 1962, he held the position of President of the Ghana Bar Association. His political turmoil continued when he was rearrested in January 1964 without any formal charges and subsequently detained at the Nsawam Medium Prison.
Danquah died on February 4, 1965, while in custody. After the National Liberation Council (NLC) overthrew the CPP in February 1966, he was posthumously honored and buried by the state, acknowledging his significant contributions to Ghana.
In a related note, there is a special edition of People and Places showcasing the return of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue head after 43 years, which can be viewed separately.
The 60th Remembrance Service for J.B. Danquah was a solemn occasion attended by distinguished figures, including former President Akufo-Addo and others, reflecting on his notable contributions to Ghana’s political landscape. Despite facing significant challenges, Danquah’s legacy endures, marked by his involvement in pivotal historical events and the eventual recognition of his contributions by the state after his demise.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
