Sixty years in the life of any human institution is no mean an achievement. Sixty years ago in Saltpond in the Central Region, Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, after breaking away from the United Gold Coast Convention, UGCC formed the Convention People’s Party, the CPP. The party was, however, launched with a massive rally at Arena in Accra. The CPP’s agenda then was to use all legitimate means for the achievement of self government for the people of the Gold Coast.
The party served as a rigorous political vanguard for removing all forms of oppression and to establish a democratic government. If today Ghana is independent and is considered one of the leading lights of Africa, then the CPP must take huge chunks of credit, for, as Dr. Nkrumah himself indicated during the 10th anniversary of the party, without the CPP there would not be Ghana. The CPP gave Ghana its first President who galvanized the entire society to ensure remarkable development.
The provision of Social Services and most infrastructural development in today’s Ghana all stand in the name of the CPP. Construction of numerous roads, construction of the Tema and Takoradi harbours, the Tema Township and motorway, the Akosombo dam, construction of railways, housing projects, water, schools and health facilities, are all landmark projects of the C. P. P.
There have been arguments in sections of the society that the party inherited a lot of resources from the British Colonial government hence its ability to accomplish such remarkable feats. But the argument is indeed vague and illogical. Because other governments inherited much more wealth but are no where near Ghana’s level of development. We must learn to give credit where it is due.
The CPP also actively supported and financed liberation movements in Africa. It was at the forefront of the campaign against racism, colonialism and neo-colonialism. The party, especially its leader, Osagyefo Dr, Kwame Nkrumah was an ardent advocate of African Unity and injected enough resources into attaining that goal. Today, all African countries are politically independent.
It is rather unfortunate the “Red Cockerel” never found its feet after the over throw of Dr. Nkrumah. Apart from the Peoples National Party, PNP, a party with links to Nkrumah’s tradition which won the 1979 elections, the performance of other Nkrumaist parties, especially the CPP in various elections including the recent one have been rather abysmal.
The problem within the parties of the Nkrumaist tradition is largely leadership. Therefore, the earlier the CPP puts its house in order and find an antidote to their problems, the better. The CPP’s today unattractive to the youth and divisiveness within its front has largely accounted for the situation it finds itself it. Probably, proscribing the party after the overthrow of Dr. Nkrumah in 1966 might have affected the fortunes of the party.
Some observers also believe the emergence on the political scene of Flt. Lt Rawlings and his NDC might have dealt a big blow to the party as some staunch Nkrumaist found their way to NDC. Whatever it is, the CPP has bright prospects. It must put the past behind it and rally its fragmented front for a possible relaunch. The inordinate quest for power by individuals within the party is drawing back progress and the earlier some of these individuals shed their whimsical ambitions the better.
The party must consider the re – establishment of the Kwame Nkrumah ideological institute to conscientise or orientate the youth on the ideals of its founder, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. As we make preparations to mark the centenary celebrations of Dr. Nkrumah’s birthday, no stone must be left unturned towards an elaborate membership drive.
The CPP must take the opportunity to educate the youth who know very little of the achievements of Dr. Nkrumah so that they can be mobilized towards the party’s cause. Conscious efforts must be made towards changing the notion that the CPP is a party for the old folks.
As the party marks its 60th anniversary, we pay tribute to the founding fathers especially the late K. A. Gbedemah. Kojo Botsio, N.A welbeck, Kwesi Plange, Kofi Baako and Krobo Edusei. The CPP has great potential, it must never say die. Even through Dr. Nkrumah is physically dead, the CPP must not allow his spirit and ideals to die. As we say, Nkrumah never dies.
By: Justice Mingle, A Journalist
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