Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin claims that Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah coined the name “Ghana” based on his research of the Gold Coast’s heritage. Danquah proposed the name during the independence movement, which was adopted in 1957. However, historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong dispute this, stating that the name was in use prior to independence and that Danquah suggested “Akanman” instead.
In a recent statement, Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, asserted that the name “Ghana” was coined by the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, a key figure in Ghana’s history. The MP emphasized that Danquah conducted extensive research on the ethnicities present in the Gold Coast, ultimately linking the citizens to the historical Ghana Empire. He proposed that this connection warranted the name change at independence.
Afenyo-Markin made his remarks during a commemoration of Danquah’s 60th death anniversary on March 9, 2025. He highlighted Danquah’s tireless efforts in researching an appropriate name that encapsulated the history and identity of the Gold Coast’s people. The MP remarked that Danquah’s work included significant time spent at institutions like the British Museum, where he examined primary sources regarding local traditions.
The legislator further stated that leaders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) reached a consensus that the name “Ghana” should be adopted upon independence, a proposition that was embraced when the country gained independence in 1957. This development marked a pivotal moment in Ghana’s national identity.
Contrarily, some historians, including Yaw Anokye Frimpong, contest Afenyo-Markin’s claims, asserting that the name “Ghana” predated the nation’s independence. In an interview with JoyNews, Frimpong noted instances of the name’s early usage, including the establishment of Ghana National College by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, nearly a decade prior to independence.
Frimpong further referred to the historical documentation where Danquah suggested the name “Akanman” for an independent Gold Coast, refuting the notion that he originated the name “Ghana”. Additionally, he recounted Danquah’s political struggles, including losing his constituency seat, and discussed the significance of Ghana National College established before independence, emphasizing that the name for the nation cannot solely be attributed to Danquah’s advocacy.
The assertion by Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin that Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah is responsible for coining the name “Ghana” remains a contentious point in Ghanaian history. While Afenyo-Markin credits Danquah’s research and advocacy as instrumental in adopting the name, historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong present a nuanced perspective that challenges this view. Ultimately, the narrative surrounding the name “Ghana” reflects a rich tapestry of historical discussions and conflicting interpretations.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
