Alexander Afenyo-Markin credits Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah with coining the name “Ghana” based on historical research linking the Gold Coast’s inhabitants to the ancient Ghana Empire. This claim is contested by historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong, who states that the name existed before independence, suggesting a more complex narrative of Ghana’s identity.
The Effutu Member of Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, recently asserted that Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, known as JB Danquah, was instrumental in coining the name “Ghana”. During an event marking the 60th anniversary of Danquah’s death, Afenyo-Markin explained that Danquah’s extensive research on the ethnic background of the Gold Coast population led him to connect them with the ancient Ghana Empire, deeming it a fitting name for the nation.
Afenyo-Markin elaborated on Danquah’s dedication to this cause, stating, “Dr Danquah travelled near and far to conduct extensive research on a suitable name that would reflect the history, identity, and heritage of the people of the Gold Coast.” He noted that Danquah’s scholarly efforts included studying historical documents in the British Museum and various libraries. Ultimately, he believed the name “Ghana” would symbolize the region’s strength and ancestry, fostering a collective national pride.
Furthermore, the MP, who also serves as the Minority Leader in Parliament, mentioned that the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) leaders, who advocated for the country’s independence, unanimously agreed to adopt the name “Ghana” when independence was achieved. Afenyo-Markin provided historical context, explaining that the UGCC, founded in 1947 by prominent figures including Danquah, voted to replace the name “Gold Coast” with “Ghana” in 1957.
However, this assertion has faced skepticism from some historians, including Yaw Anokye Frimpong. In an interview, Frimpong pointed out that the name “Ghana” predated the country’s independence. He cited that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah established Ghana National College approximately ten years before independence, challenging Afenyo-Markin’s claims.
Frimpong also noted that Danquah’s preferred name for an independent Gold Coast was “Akanman”. He stated, “I would never accept any argument to the effect that JB Danquah…would metamorphose into becoming the originator of the name Ghana.” This assertion emphasizes the ongoing debate regarding the contributions of different figures in the establishment of Ghana’s national identity.
In conclusion, while Afenyo-Markin champions JB Danquah as the originator of the name Ghana, historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong argue against this narrative by underscoring the historical complexities and contributions made by other key figures like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Thus, the discourse surrounding the naming of Ghana reflects broader themes of identity and heritage in the nation’s history.
In conclusion, the assertion that Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah coined the name “Ghana” is a significant claim made by MP Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin. While Danquah’s research on the Gold Coast’s history is highlighted, historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong question the validity of this assertion, emphasizing that the name “Ghana” existed prior to independence and that other figures played a more critical role in shaping the nation’s identity. This debate illustrates the multifaceted nature of Ghana’s historical narrative.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
