Constitution Day is a moment of profound national importance. It commemorates the adoption of a nation’s supreme legal framework and the affirmation of democratic governance. The day highlights the rule of law and promotes civic awareness of our rights and responsibilities as citizens. Around the world, nations mark this occasion in diverse ways, and in Ghana, January 7 stands as a powerful reminder of the birth of the Fourth Republic.
On this day, we pause to remember and honour the visionaries, leaders, and citizens whose courage, sacrifice, and dedication laid the foundation of our nation. Their unwavering commitment to justice, freedom, and progress has shaped Ghana’s journey and continues to guide our democratic path. We celebrate the legends who dared to dream, challenged injustice, and built the pillars of a better Ghana.
I, Samuel Obeng Badu, proudly join the nation in paying tribute to these remarkable individuals whose legacies continue to inspire generations. As we reflect on their achievements, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to uphold the ideals of democracy, equality, and justice.
Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey (1875–1927)
First among these pioneers, in no particular order, is Dr. James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey—missionary, educator, and Pan-Africanist—widely revered as the “Father of African Education.” Born in Anomabu into a chiefly family, he embraced Christianity and later emigrated to the United States, where he earned degrees from Livingstone College and studied at Columbia University.
Dr. Aggrey championed education as a tool for liberation and societal upliftment, with particular emphasis on the education of women. As a member of the Phelps-Stokes Commission, he advocated culturally relevant education for Africans. He later became Vice-Principal of the Prince of Wales College, now Achimota School. His famous “black and white piano keys” analogy symbolized racial harmony and the need for a balanced education that develops both practical skills and intellectual capacity. His vision influenced great leaders, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and his legacy lives on through institutions and ideas that continue to shape African education.
John Mensah Sarbah (1864–1910)
Another towering figure is John Mensah Sarbah, one of the most prominent nationalists of the Gold Coast and the first African from the territory to be called to the Bar. Born in Cape Coast on June 3, 1864, Sarbah was a leading member of the Aborigines’ Rights Protection Society (ARPS).
As a lawyer and nationalist, he fiercely opposed the Lands Bill of 1897, arguing that it threatened indigenous land ownership, disrupted family and societal structures, and ignored the spiritual and cultural significance of land to the people. His advocacy played a crucial role in defending indigenous rights and shaping early nationalist thought in Ghana.
Dr. Raphael Armattoe (1913–1953)
Born on August 12, 1913, in Keta, Dr. Raphael Armattoe was a remarkable polymath—medical doctor, anthropologist, linguist, poet, and researcher. Educated in Togoland, Denu, and Cape Coast, he became fluent in German, French, and English, with knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese.
Armattoe pursued further studies in Germany before relocating to France due to the rise of Nazism. At the Sorbonne, he studied anthropology, literature, and medicine, later qualifying as a medical doctor in Edinburgh. He worked in Belfast and Derry, establishing a medical practice and founding the Lomeshie Research Centre, named after his mother.
In 1947, he attended the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony in Stockholm alongside his friend Erwin Schrödinger, becoming the only African among the invited intellectuals. His research into herbal medicine led to the discovery of the Abochi drug, which saved millions of lives across Africa by treating water-borne diseases and skin infections. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in 1949.
Beyond medicine, Armattoe contributed richly to African literature through his poetry collections Between the Forest and the Sea and Deep Down in the Black Man’s Mind. In 1953, while returning from addressing a United Nations committee in New York, he fell ill and died in Hamburg at the age of 40, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.
Madam Theodosia Salome Okoh (1922–2015)
Madam Theodosia Salome Okoh, born on June 13, 1922, was a distinguished teacher, artist, and patriot. She designed Ghana’s national flag in 1957, a symbol now recognized worldwide. Beyond her artistic contributions, she played a pivotal role in the development of hockey in Ghana and exhibited her artwork internationally.
On this day, I, Samuel Obeng Badu, proudly mention her name and acknowledge her enduring dedication to Ghana’s national identity.
Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey (c. 1923–1961)
Also known as Dedei Ashikishan, Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey was a formidable businesswoman, political activist, and feminist. After her primary education, she built a thriving flour business in Accra, earning wealth and influence that she used to support Ghana’s independence struggle.
She was a chief financier of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and led women’s political activities from her home in Kokomlemle. Her financial support was instrumental in Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s election to the Legislative Council, paving the way for him to become Ghana’s first Prime Minister. Her image on the 50 Pesewas coin stands as a lasting tribute to her impact.
Nii Amon Kotei (1915–2011)
Nii Amon Kotei was a celebrated artist whose most enduring contribution was the design of Ghana’s national Coat of Arms on March 4, 1957, just days before independence. Commissioned by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the emblem symbolizes Ghana’s sovereignty, heritage, and unity and remains a central feature of official state documents. His work across sculpture, painting, and music continues to inspire generations of Ghanaian artists.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
I conclude with the towering legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, visionary leader, Pan-Africanist, and architect of Ghana’s independence. His leadership emphasized industrialization, social justice, and national development, while his dream of a united Africa reshaped the continent’s political consciousness.
His influence extended beyond politics into culture and sports, including the promotion of African football through initiatives such as the West Africa Cup. His legacy remains deeply embedded in Ghana’s political, economic, and social foundations.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was a pivotal figure in Ghana's struggle for independence and a key leader in the African nationalist movement. Some of his notable achievements include:
Leading Ghana to independence: Nkrumah led the Convention People's Party (CPP) to victory in the 1951 general election, becoming the country's first prime minister and later its first president.
Pan-Africanism: Nkrumah was a key figure in the Pan-African movement, advocating for African unity and cooperation. He played a crucial role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union.
Industrialization and infrastructure development: Nkrumah's government invested heavily in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals. He also initiated several industrial projects, such as the Akosombo Dam, which provided hydroelectric power for the country.
Education and healthcare: Nkrumah's government prioritized education and healthcare, introducing free education and expanding access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.
Promoting African culture and identity: Nkrumah encouraged the promotion of African culture and identity, introducing policies to preserve and promote Ghanaian arts, music, and traditions.
Nkrumah's legacy is complex, and his presidency was marked by controversy and authoritarianism. However, his contributions to Ghana's independence and African unity remain significant.
As we celebrate Constitution Day, let us reflect on our duties as citizens and renew our commitment to building a just, prosperous, and democratic Ghana. We honour the past, celebrate the present, and work together to shape the future.