Africa and the Wider World - Historical Society of Ghana
Africa and the Wider World - Historical Society of Ghana
Africa and the Wider World - Historical Society of Ghana
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A PUBLICATION OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF GHANA<br />
Vol 1 No. 7<br />
PRESS HAS A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY<br />
IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME<br />
AFRICA NEEDS COMMON VISION<br />
GLOBALIZATION IS A NECESSARY EVIL<br />
GHANA HAS EXCELLED IN PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS ABROAD<br />
GHANA WAS A SPRINGBOARD FOR AFRICAN UNITY
PREAMBLE<br />
th<br />
On 19<br />
th<br />
– 20 April 2007, <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong><br />
(HSG) held a roundtable<br />
conference at La Palm Royal<br />
Beach Hotel as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
programme for <strong>the</strong> celebration<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>'s Golden Jubilee. The<br />
<strong>the</strong>me for <strong>the</strong> roundtable was<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>, <strong>Africa</strong> (<strong>and</strong> it's<br />
Diaspora) <strong>and</strong> The <strong>Wider</strong><br />
<strong>World</strong> which is a sub-<strong>the</strong>me <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>'s general <strong>the</strong>me for<br />
t h e c o n f e r e n c e s<br />
REFLECTIONS ON FIFTY<br />
Y E A R S O F G H A N A ' S<br />
I N D E P E N D E N C E :<br />
INTERROGATING THE<br />
PA S T, S H A P I N G T H E<br />
FUTURE.<br />
So far six (6) roundtable<br />
co nference s ha ve be en<br />
organized:<br />
· Pre-independent <strong>Ghana</strong>:<br />
The People, Colonial Rule<br />
<strong>and</strong> Independence<br />
· T h e R u l e o f L a w :<br />
Government <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> People<br />
· Culture, The Arts <strong>and</strong><br />
National Identity<br />
· Women: Half a Century <strong>of</strong><br />
Transformation<br />
· Conflict Resolution, Peace<br />
Building <strong>and</strong> Mediation<br />
· The Changing Faces <strong>of</strong><br />
Religion: Tr aditional<br />
R e l i g i o n , I s l a m a n d<br />
Christianity.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> occasion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
roundtable on <strong>Ghana</strong>, <strong>Africa</strong><br />
(<strong>and</strong> its Diaspora) <strong>and</strong> The<br />
<strong>Wider</strong> <strong>World</strong>, Pr<strong>of</strong>essor K<strong>of</strong>i<br />
Darkwah, a history pr<strong>of</strong>essor at<br />
<strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Education,<br />
Winneba <strong>and</strong> a council member<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> H SG, g av e <strong>the</strong><br />
introductory remarks. He<br />
welcomed <strong>the</strong> distinguished<br />
personalities, Mr. Daouda<br />
Toure, Country Representative<br />
<strong>of</strong> UNDP, Rt. Hon Peter Ala<br />
Adjetey, former Speaker <strong>of</strong><br />
Parliament, Mr. Philbert<br />
Johnson, a representative <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Minister <strong>of</strong> Foreign Affairs,<br />
Nana Akufo Addo, Mrs.<br />
B r i d g e t K a t s r i k u , a<br />
representative <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Minister<br />
<strong>of</strong> Tourism <strong>and</strong> Diasporan<br />
Relations, Hon. Jake Obetsebi-<br />
Lamptey, Ambassador Victor<br />
Gbeho, one-time <strong>Ghana</strong><br />
A m b a s s a d o r t o U N ;<br />
Ambassador Sakyi; <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
Also present among <strong>the</strong><br />
participants were Mr. K.B.<br />
Asante, a time honoured<br />
diplomat <strong>and</strong> seasoned civil<br />
servant; Justice George<br />
Lamptey, a retired justice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Supreme Court; Mr. Bentum<br />
Q u a n t s o n , R e t i r e d<br />
Commissioner <strong>of</strong> Police <strong>and</strong><br />
one-time Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
B u r e a u o f N a t i o n a l<br />
Investigations (BNI); Lt. Gen<br />
Arnold Quainoo, Centre for<br />
Conflict Resolution. Also<br />
representing <strong>the</strong> Diaspora were<br />
<strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n-<br />
American Association in<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>, Mr. Jerome Thompson,<br />
Dr. Michael Williams former<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Council on<br />
International Education<br />
Exchange (CIEE) <strong>and</strong> Mr.<br />
Ao uad M au r ice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Lebanese Association in<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>. There was also a<br />
signif icant pr es ence <strong>of</strong><br />
r enowned s cholars a nd<br />
academics at <strong>the</strong> conference.<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> topics discussed<br />
were, <strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pan-<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n Movement; <strong>Ghana</strong>,<br />
Globalization <strong>and</strong> Economic<br />
Diplomacy; Transnational<br />
Crimes <strong>and</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>'s National<br />
Security; <strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
International Religious<br />
Bodies: Implications for<br />
Development; <strong>Ghana</strong>ians<br />
Abroad: Issues <strong>and</strong> Policies;<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>'s Contribution to<br />
Peace support Operations:<br />
Challenges, Achievements <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> way forward; People <strong>of</strong><br />
non-<strong>Africa</strong>n Descent in<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>: A Case <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Lebanese; “Taking over <strong>the</strong><br />
Comm<strong>and</strong>ing Heights <strong>of</strong> our<br />
Economy”: <strong>Ghana</strong>'s Reaction<br />
to its Economic Sojourners<br />
1969 – 1972; The <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
Diaspora: Returnees to<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>; <strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>and</strong> People <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n Descent: A Socio-<br />
Cultural Perspective; Fifty<br />
y e a r s o f G h a n a ' s<br />
I nd epe nd enc e an d t wo<br />
hundred years after <strong>the</strong><br />
abolition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Atlantic Slave<br />
Trade. Could <strong>the</strong>re be a legal<br />
basis for <strong>the</strong> call for<br />
reparations?; <strong>and</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>, <strong>the</strong><br />
Ar ts <strong>and</strong> International<br />
Influence.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> roundtable<br />
conference participants were<br />
v e r y h a p p y w i t h t h e<br />
o p p o r t u n i t y f o r o p e n<br />
discussions especially since<br />
those who had played key roles<br />
in <strong>the</strong> governance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
country were <strong>the</strong>re to share<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir personal experiences <strong>and</strong><br />
reflections.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> conference, <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Society</strong> was able to follow key<br />
participants for interviews that<br />
had added to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Historical</strong><br />
<strong>Society</strong>'s store <strong>of</strong> research<br />
materials.
Appreciation<br />
We are grateful to <strong>Ghana</strong> Education<br />
Content<br />
Foreign Policy was an Important<br />
Aspect <strong>of</strong> Statecraft in Our<br />
Traditional System 3<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> was a Springboard For<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n Unity 3<br />
<strong>Africa</strong> Needs Common Vision 4<br />
Military Interventions Not<br />
Good For Country's Image<br />
Trust Fund (GETFUND) for<br />
sponsorship <strong>of</strong> this publication.<br />
We want to thank Dr. Sam Gaba for his personal<br />
encouragement <strong>and</strong> “passion” for history.<br />
Information was obtained from archival<br />
material <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>. We<br />
are also grateful to all <strong>the</strong> chairmen, guests <strong>of</strong><br />
honours, presenters, participants <strong>and</strong> technical<br />
team <strong>of</strong> our round table conferences from 2006-<br />
2007. This publication would not have been<br />
possible without <strong>the</strong>ir input. Thank you.<br />
And Development 5<br />
Behold A Mighty Oak Has Fallen! 6<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>and</strong> The Pan-african Movement 6<br />
Globalization is A Necessary Evil 7<br />
We Have Not Done Enough<br />
To Honour Our Heroes 8<br />
Tell Us Your Stories 8<br />
Crime is Gradually Eating<br />
Up Our <strong>Society</strong> 8<br />
Press Has a Vital Role to<br />
Play in The Fight Against Crime 9<br />
Emigration Not Bad 9<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> Has Played a<br />
Prominent Role in International<br />
Religious Organisations 10<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ians Abroad Contribute<br />
To The Nation's Development 11<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> Has Excelled<br />
in Peacekeeping Missions Abroad 11<br />
The Lebanese in <strong>Ghana</strong> 13<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>ns in The Diaspora:<br />
The Returnees 13<br />
A Dent in <strong>Ghana</strong>'s Diplomatic<br />
History? The Aliens<br />
Compliance Order 14<br />
Reparations Now! 15<br />
Literature Has Been Part<br />
<strong>of</strong> our History 16<br />
The Joys <strong>and</strong> Frustrations<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n-Americans 17<br />
History <strong>and</strong> Tourism are Bedfellows 17<br />
List Of Participants 18<br />
The <strong>Society</strong> 19
F O R E I G N P O L I C Y W A S A N I M P O R T A N T<br />
ASPECT OF STATECRAFT IN OUR TRADITIONAL SYSTEM<br />
In h i s r e m a r k s , t h e<br />
Chairman addressed <strong>the</strong><br />
country's relations with<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs i.e. <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>,<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>ns in <strong>the</strong> Diaspora, <strong>the</strong><br />
“ t hi r d w o r l d ” a n d th e<br />
developed nations since<br />
independence. He noted that<br />
formulation <strong>and</strong> practice <strong>of</strong><br />
diplomacy in foreign relations<br />
were nothing new to <strong>Ghana</strong>ians<br />
in 1957. States in pre-colonial<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> had engaged in<br />
dip loma cy an d f o re ign<br />
relations with o<strong>the</strong>r states. In<br />
fact, “foreign policy <strong>and</strong><br />
external relations constituted<br />
one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most important<br />
political aspects <strong>of</strong> statecraft.”<br />
Some states lost <strong>the</strong>ir position<br />
as a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir foreign<br />
relations, an example being<br />
Adansi which collapsed at <strong>the</strong><br />
beginning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> seventeenth century<br />
because “its foreign policy was<br />
unsuited to <strong>the</strong> hostile<br />
monetarism that was unleashed<br />
by <strong>the</strong> economic practices <strong>and</strong><br />
dem<strong>and</strong>s on social <strong>and</strong><br />
economic organizations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
people <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gold Coast<br />
following <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
European commercial people.”<br />
This control over foreign<br />
policy was taken over by <strong>the</strong><br />
British colonial authorities<br />
following <strong>the</strong> imposition <strong>of</strong><br />
colonial rule from 1874 till <strong>the</strong><br />
attainment <strong>of</strong> independence in<br />
1957. As a result, during <strong>the</strong><br />
two <strong>World</strong> Wars <strong>the</strong> Gold Coast<br />
participated on <strong>the</strong> side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Allies. Apart from contributing<br />
forces, it raised money to buy<br />
airplanes during <strong>World</strong> War I.<br />
During <strong>World</strong> War II <strong>the</strong>n as a<br />
child, <strong>the</strong> speaker had to crack<br />
palm kernel nuts as his<br />
Delivering <strong>the</strong> key note<br />
address, Dr. B.Y.D.<br />
Gebe, Legon Centre<br />
for International Affairs<br />
(LECIA), University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>,<br />
Legon, traced <strong>Ghana</strong>'s foreign<br />
relations since independence.<br />
Defining foreign policy as <strong>the</strong><br />
aggregation <strong>of</strong> goals <strong>and</strong> values<br />
both internal <strong>and</strong> external <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> instruments through which<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are managed, he pointed<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. D.E.K. Amenumey<br />
contribution to <strong>the</strong> British<br />
wareffort in <strong>the</strong> early 1940s.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> attainment <strong>of</strong><br />
independence in 1957, <strong>Ghana</strong><br />
took over <strong>the</strong> formulation <strong>of</strong> its<br />
foreign policy. Several factors<br />
influenced Nkrumah in his<br />
foreign policy. Among <strong>the</strong>se<br />
were his pan-<strong>Africa</strong>n beliefs <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> complete independence <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n peoples hence his<br />
declaration on <strong>the</strong> eve <strong>of</strong><br />
i n d e p e n d e n c e t h a t t h e<br />
independence <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> would<br />
be meaningless unless it was<br />
linked to <strong>the</strong> total liberation <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n continent. One way<br />
to achieve this was what he<br />
called “positive neutralism”<br />
i.e. non-alignment with ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>the</strong> C apitalist Wes t or<br />
Communist/Socialist East <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n unity.<br />
He noted that <strong>Ghana</strong>'s foreign<br />
policy since <strong>the</strong>n has followed<br />
<strong>the</strong> same lines except for a brief<br />
r e v i e w d u r i n g B u s i a ' s<br />
government.<br />
GHANA WAS A SPRINGBOARD FOR AFRICAN UNITY<br />
3<br />
Dr. Yao Gebe.<br />
out o<strong>the</strong>r determinants <strong>of</strong><br />
foreign relations. These,<br />
among o<strong>the</strong>r things include<br />
leaders or <strong>the</strong> political elite,<br />
national interests <strong>and</strong> costbenefit<br />
analysis.<br />
He said that <strong>the</strong> birth <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong><br />
th<br />
on <strong>the</strong> 6 <strong>of</strong> March 1957 as a<br />
free <strong>and</strong> united country set in its<br />
t r a i l a m y r i a d o f<br />
responsibilities <strong>and</strong> challenges
as well as opportunities <strong>the</strong><br />
country had to control towards<br />
uplifting <strong>and</strong> improving <strong>the</strong><br />
condition, image <strong>and</strong> position<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n people <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n race as a whole. The<br />
leaders <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> state were<br />
sincerely committed to <strong>the</strong> pan-<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n dream <strong>of</strong> continental<br />
liberation, <strong>Africa</strong>n unity <strong>and</strong><br />
identity. This is what was<br />
expressed in <strong>the</strong> first leader's<br />
c o m m e n t t h a t “ t h e<br />
independence <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> is<br />
meaningless unless it is linked<br />
up to <strong>the</strong> total liberation <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Africa</strong>.”<br />
The foreign policy <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>'s<br />
first president, Dr. Kwame<br />
Nkrumah, was to a very large<br />
extent influenced by <strong>the</strong> pan-<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n movement. Its goals <strong>of</strong><br />
freedom from colonial rule,<br />
unification <strong>of</strong> all <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
peoples, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> an<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n personality amongst<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs influenced Nkrumah's<br />
vision for <strong>the</strong> country. This was<br />
manifested in <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong><br />
conferences held in <strong>the</strong> country<br />
just after independence <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
support given to <strong>the</strong> freedom<br />
movement all across <strong>the</strong><br />
continent.<br />
T h o u g h m a n y s h a r e d<br />
Nkrumah's goal <strong>of</strong> a united<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n state, <strong>the</strong>re were<br />
however disagreements over<br />
<strong>the</strong> achievement <strong>of</strong> this goal.<br />
This resulted in <strong>the</strong> formation<br />
<strong>of</strong> three blocs: <strong>the</strong> Casablanca,<br />
Monrovia <strong>and</strong> Brazzaville<br />
g r o u p s . E v e n t u a l l y, a<br />
compromise loose association<br />
o f A f r i c a n s t a t e s , t h e<br />
Organization <strong>of</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n Unity,<br />
was formed on May 25, 1963.<br />
Some reasons given for <strong>the</strong><br />
opposition to Nkrumah was his<br />
subversion <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
governments in his desire to<br />
become <strong>the</strong> president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
envisioned <strong>Africa</strong>n state.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>rs have argued that he was<br />
idealistic in his vision <strong>of</strong> a<br />
politically united <strong>Africa</strong>n state<br />
with a common foreign,<br />
economic <strong>and</strong> defence policy.<br />
Nkrumah's anti-Western stance<br />
<strong>and</strong> socialist orientation also<br />
resulted in opposition from <strong>the</strong><br />
West culminating in his<br />
eventual overthrow in 1966.<br />
Addressing <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>'s<br />
f oreign p olic y an d its<br />
leadership role in <strong>the</strong> comity <strong>of</strong><br />
nations, he noted that she still<br />
plays a leading role in<br />
international affairs. Not only<br />
is she at <strong>the</strong> forefront <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> international<br />
bodies such as ECOWAS, UN,<br />
N A M , a n d t h e<br />
Commonwealth, she has<br />
produced leaders such as K<strong>of</strong>i<br />
Annan to head international<br />
organs like <strong>the</strong> UN. <strong>Ghana</strong>'s<br />
foreign relations have however<br />
sometimes been affected by<br />
military regimes such as<br />
Acheampong's with its refusal<br />
to pay <strong>Ghana</strong>'s foreign debt.<br />
Notwithst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>Ghana</strong>'s<br />
impact on international politics<br />
particularly <strong>the</strong> political<br />
emancipation <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
countries, <strong>the</strong> march towards<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n unity i.e. <strong>the</strong> formation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AU, NEPAD, APRM<br />
amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs she still<br />
wallows in abject poverty,<br />
disease, indebtedness <strong>and</strong> overreliance<br />
on foreign donor<br />
nations <strong>and</strong> institutions for its<br />
development programmes.<br />
To generate enough revenue to<br />
s u s t a i n i t s e c o n o m i c<br />
development, he suggested, <strong>the</strong><br />
levying <strong>of</strong> taxes on trans-<br />
4<br />
national companies e.g. those<br />
in mineral <strong>and</strong> oil exploration,<br />
<strong>the</strong> banks, <strong>the</strong> hospitality<br />
industry etc. He also called for<br />
collaboration between <strong>the</strong><br />
mo<strong>the</strong>rl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Diaspora,<br />
<strong>and</strong> asked that <strong>the</strong> subject <strong>of</strong><br />
reparations for <strong>the</strong> slave trade<br />
<strong>and</strong> slavery be seriously<br />
tackled <strong>and</strong> not let such issues<br />
as <strong>the</strong> victims, perpetrators <strong>and</strong><br />
beneficiaries divide us.<br />
AFRICA NEEDS<br />
COMMON VISION<br />
Mr. Daouda Toure<br />
According to Mr. Toure,<br />
U N D P C o u n t r y<br />
Representative, it is<br />
important that <strong>Africa</strong> revisits<br />
its own vision <strong>and</strong> finds a<br />
common vision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> future. In<br />
r e b u i l d i n g A f r i c a ,<br />
governments <strong>of</strong> a country need<br />
a vision that is shared beyond<br />
partisan politics, so that<br />
development<br />
nationalism.<br />
is led by<br />
One problem that exists in<br />
<strong>Africa</strong> is that we continue to<br />
shoot ourselves down when<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs are doing what we can<br />
do for ourselves. Indeed when<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> became independent<br />
fifty years ago, <strong>the</strong> first<strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
country south <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sahara to<br />
a c h i e v e p o l i t i c a l<br />
independence, “all<strong>Africa</strong> was
full <strong>of</strong> hope” <strong>and</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> has<br />
contributed its quota in <strong>the</strong><br />
course <strong>of</strong> international peace<br />
<strong>and</strong> security. Its contribution to<br />
<strong>the</strong> United Nations system in<br />
terms <strong>of</strong> conflict resolution,<br />
p e a c e k e e p i n g a n d<br />
enforcement, <strong>and</strong> peacemaking<br />
a s w e l l a s p r o m o t i n g<br />
development around <strong>the</strong> world<br />
in general are remarkable <strong>and</strong><br />
well noted.<br />
The Guest <strong>of</strong> Honour for <strong>the</strong><br />
occasion, <strong>the</strong> Minister for<br />
Foreign Affairs, Regional<br />
Cooperation <strong>and</strong> NEPAD, Hon.<br />
Nana Akufo-Addo in his speech<br />
read on his behalf by his<br />
representative, Mr. Albert<br />
Johnson, gave an overview <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>'s foreign policy in relation<br />
to economic progress. He pointed<br />
out that it is really important that a<br />
nation takes stock <strong>of</strong> its past to<br />
engage in a collective attention on<br />
how far it has come, identify<br />
lapses <strong>and</strong> draw up appropriate<br />
strategies for <strong>the</strong> future. It is also<br />
significant that <strong>the</strong> contributions<br />
<strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, policy makers,<br />
academics, civil society, amongst<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs, be drawn to chart a better<br />
path for <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
G h a n a ' s s o c i o - e c o n o m i c<br />
development has been largely<br />
Whilst not denying <strong>the</strong><br />
importance <strong>of</strong> assistance from<br />
abroad <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> need to<br />
define our own vision <strong>and</strong> chart<br />
our own growth by harnessing<br />
savings, capacity building as<br />
well as <strong>the</strong> capacity that exists<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Diaspora, so bro<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>and</strong><br />
sisters in <strong>the</strong> Diaspora can<br />
contribute as we shape <strong>the</strong><br />
future <strong>of</strong> our continent.<br />
MILITARY INTERVENTIONS NOT<br />
G O O D F O R C O U N T R Y ' S<br />
IMAGE AND DEVELOPMENT<br />
Nana Akufo-Addo<br />
influenced by <strong>the</strong> nature <strong>and</strong><br />
i d eologie s o f s u cce s si v e<br />
governments that have governed<br />
<strong>the</strong> country since independence<br />
ranging from one-party state,<br />
short-lived <strong>and</strong> prolonged<br />
m i l i t a r y r e g i m e s a n d<br />
d e m o c r a t i c a l l y e l e c t e d<br />
governments.<br />
The First Republic under<br />
Nkrumah was largely based on<br />
socialist principles <strong>and</strong> state-led<br />
modernization plus a plan to lay<br />
t h e f o u n d a t i o n s f o r<br />
industrialization. For him,<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>'s future depended on<br />
industrialization, her ability to<br />
create jobs <strong>and</strong> empower <strong>the</strong><br />
people economically. Nkrumah<br />
established 68 state owned<br />
enterpri ses rangi ng from<br />
distilleries to textile <strong>and</strong> cementmaking;<br />
instituted free medical<br />
services <strong>and</strong> education<br />
5<br />
<strong>and</strong> made <strong>Ghana</strong> a showcase<br />
for <strong>Africa</strong>. His plans were,<br />
however shelved by <strong>the</strong><br />
military soon after his<br />
overthrow in 1966 which<br />
began a cycle <strong>of</strong> coups <strong>and</strong><br />
economic retrogression that<br />
stunted <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>'s<br />
economy.<br />
The Busia regime embarked on<br />
a c o m pr e he n s i v e r u r a l<br />
development programme with<br />
emphasis on infrastructural<br />
development <strong>and</strong> provision <strong>of</strong><br />
social services. A limited<br />
expansion <strong>of</strong> expenditure on<br />
health <strong>and</strong> education was<br />
accompanied by a significant<br />
investment in economic<br />
services; in particular, an<br />
extensive network <strong>of</strong> feeder<br />
roads linking rural settlements<br />
to larger centers. The regime's<br />
life span was cut short by<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r coup in 1972 which<br />
brought in <strong>the</strong> National<br />
Redemption Party. All efforts<br />
embarked upon by successive<br />
g o v e r n m e n t s a i m e d a t<br />
e co n omi c r e s u s ci ta ti on<br />
b r o u g h t a b o u t m a l -<br />
a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , n o n -<br />
per for ming state-owned<br />
enterprises <strong>and</strong> economic<br />
mismanagement.<br />
R a p i d s u c c e s s i o n a n d<br />
economic stagnation following<br />
years <strong>of</strong> political instability<br />
w i t h u n f a v o u r a b l e<br />
in te r n a tio n al e c on om ic<br />
conditions ended up pushing<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>'s economy into dire<br />
financial straits leading <strong>the</strong><br />
government to adopt <strong>the</strong><br />
StructuralAdjustment Program<br />
in 1983 which led to social<br />
difficulties <strong>and</strong> upheavals.<br />
The Fourth Republic with its<br />
adherence to <strong>the</strong> rule <strong>of</strong> law has
einstated <strong>the</strong> country's confidence abroad.<br />
The lesson <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past is that military interventions do not restore<br />
economic fortunes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country but breed future political<br />
instability, economic mismanagement <strong>and</strong> thus reinforce<br />
international negative perceptions <strong>of</strong> a country, he advised. <strong>Ghana</strong><br />
can only move forward if we all rise to <strong>the</strong> occasion irrespective <strong>of</strong><br />
ethnic, religious or political affiliation, he added.<br />
BEHOLD A MIGHTY OAK HAS FALLEN!<br />
At <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong> this roundtable conference, it had become<br />
public knowledge that one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stalwarts in <strong>Ghana</strong>ian<br />
history, Justice George Kingsley Acquah who worked<br />
tirelessly for <strong>the</strong> rule <strong>of</strong> law as Chief Justice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Country had<br />
passed away. His statement at <strong>the</strong> conference, “History is important<br />
<strong>and</strong> is indeed very, very important …, he who controls <strong>the</strong> past<br />
controls <strong>the</strong> future” will be cherished by <strong>the</strong> society. It is our great<br />
loss that he has gone into <strong>the</strong> grave with all his dedication,<br />
enthusiasm, knowledge, experience <strong>and</strong> skills.<br />
He was chairman at <strong>the</strong> opening ceremony for <strong>the</strong> launch <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Society</strong>'s Jubilee roundtable conferences. A minute's<br />
silence was observed at <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> this roundtable in honour<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> late Chief Justice <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>, a patron <strong>and</strong> a friend <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
society. May his soul rest in perfect peace <strong>and</strong> May God grant us <strong>the</strong><br />
Grace to continue <strong>the</strong> good work.<br />
GHANA AND THE<br />
PAN-AFRICAN MOVEMENT<br />
Dr. K<strong>of</strong>i Baku, Head,<br />
D e p a r t m e n t o f<br />
History, University <strong>of</strong><br />
G h a n a , L e g o n i n h i s<br />
presentation on <strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
p an - A f r ic a n M o v em e nt<br />
pointed out that <strong>Ghana</strong>'s<br />
Dr. K<strong>of</strong>i Baku<br />
involvement in <strong>the</strong> pan-<strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
Movement goes back to <strong>the</strong><br />
formulation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pan-<strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
idea by <strong>Africa</strong>ns in <strong>the</strong><br />
American <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> European<br />
Diaspora.<br />
The pan-<strong>Africa</strong>n Movement<br />
th<br />
began in <strong>the</strong> 19 century among<br />
intellectuals <strong>of</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n descent<br />
in North America <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Caribbean who thought <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves as members <strong>of</strong> a<br />
single Negro race. This idea<br />
originated from Gottfried<br />
Herder (1744-1803) who was<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> opinion that races were<br />
central to world history <strong>and</strong><br />
6<br />
identities were expressed<br />
largely in language, literature<br />
<strong>and</strong> culture. It was not<br />
surprising that <strong>the</strong> earliest<br />
development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> idea, pan-<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>ns, limited <strong>the</strong>ir focus to<br />
Sub-Sahara <strong>Africa</strong> whose<br />
people had populations that<br />
formed a distinctive racial<br />
group <strong>and</strong> this did not include<br />
<strong>the</strong> light-skinned North<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>ns, <strong>the</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> who<br />
spoke Arabic as <strong>the</strong>ir first<br />
language.<br />
According to Dr. Baku, <strong>the</strong><br />
institution <strong>of</strong> racism <strong>and</strong><br />
discrimination also influenced<br />
<strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> a pan-<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>nism led by Dr W.E.B.<br />
Dubois. After slavery was<br />
abolished, <strong>the</strong>se <strong>Africa</strong>ns in <strong>the</strong><br />
Diaspora faced open displays<br />
<strong>of</strong> racism at both <strong>of</strong>ficial <strong>and</strong><br />
social levels. Obadiah Coast, a<br />
descendant <strong>of</strong> slave parents in<br />
B r i t a i n w a s r e f u s e d<br />
recruitment into <strong>the</strong> army<br />
because he was black, <strong>and</strong> yet<br />
was arrested because he was<br />
not in <strong>the</strong> army; <strong>and</strong> Dr Cole, a<br />
medical practitioner in London<br />
was asked <strong>the</strong> time so <strong>of</strong>ten by<br />
<strong>the</strong> English children that he<br />
thought it was <strong>the</strong>ir keenness<br />
for punctuality. It was later that<br />
he realised it was <strong>the</strong> children's<br />
way <strong>of</strong> finding out if he spoke<br />
English.<br />
Pan-<strong>Africa</strong>nism moved into<br />
action in <strong>the</strong> inter-war period<br />
with a series <strong>of</strong> congresses held<br />
all over Europe at which<br />
delegates passed resolutions<br />
that called for among o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
things, <strong>the</strong> equality <strong>of</strong> races <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> political<br />
institutions with <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
participation in government.<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>'s involvement in <strong>the</strong>
pan-<strong>Africa</strong>n movement shifted<br />
into higher gear upon <strong>the</strong><br />
attainment <strong>of</strong> independence as<br />
Nkrumah was a believer in <strong>the</strong><br />
pan-<strong>Africa</strong>n ideals. The Bureau<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n Affairs was set up to<br />
coordinate government's<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n programs <strong>and</strong> assist<br />
l i b e r a t i o n m o v e m e n t s .<br />
Financial <strong>and</strong> material support<br />
for liberation movements in<br />
<strong>Africa</strong> was provided <strong>and</strong><br />
Dr. Vladimir Antwi-<br />
D an so , a Se nio r<br />
Research Fellow at <strong>the</strong><br />
Legon Centre for International<br />
Affairs (LECIA), stated that<br />
globalization is an inevitable<br />
stage in man's socio-economic<br />
development.<br />
Globalization, he pointed out,<br />
is driven by technology <strong>and</strong><br />
spread around by international<br />
financial capital. Advancement<br />
in technology has caused<br />
i m p r o v e m e n t i n<br />
manufacturing, transaction,<br />
transport, cost h<strong>and</strong>ling <strong>and</strong><br />
everything is no longer <strong>the</strong><br />
preserve <strong>of</strong> one country. The<br />
liberalization <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current<br />
account has enabled <strong>the</strong> free<br />
flow <strong>of</strong> financial capital such<br />
that foreign direct investment<br />
is on <strong>the</strong> increase. It is<br />
estimated that three trillion US<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> opened its doors to o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>ns <strong>and</strong> Diasporan<br />
prominent among <strong>the</strong>m were<br />
W.E.B Dubois <strong>and</strong> George<br />
Padmore.<br />
Nk r umah 's p an-Afr i can<br />
activities were a success <strong>and</strong> at<br />
<strong>the</strong> peak <strong>of</strong> his pan-<strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
popularity, he won <strong>the</strong> respect<br />
<strong>of</strong> his peers, Dr. Baku<br />
concluded.<br />
GLOBALIZATION IS A NECESSARY EVIL<br />
Dr. Vladimir Antwi- Danso<br />
dollars move across <strong>the</strong><br />
continent daily.<br />
Dr Antwi-Danso used <strong>the</strong><br />
Korean currency crisis <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Mexican Peso crisis (The<br />
Tequila Effect), to demonstrate<br />
<strong>the</strong> effect <strong>and</strong> power <strong>of</strong> global<br />
finance. These two currency<br />
crises created panic not only in<br />
Latin America but also in <strong>the</strong><br />
U.S. <strong>and</strong> Canada.<br />
T h o m a s F r i e d m a n , a n<br />
exponent <strong>of</strong> globalization,<br />
believes that like <strong>the</strong> Cold War,<br />
globalization determines <strong>the</strong><br />
direction <strong>of</strong> science <strong>and</strong><br />
technology <strong>and</strong> international<br />
relations. This integration<br />
process comes in <strong>the</strong> wake <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> free market liberalization<br />
facilitated by a conscious<br />
political effort <strong>of</strong> a capitalist<br />
m o d e o f p r o d u c t i o n<br />
worldwide. Thomas Friedman<br />
believes that with good<br />
relationship, globalization will<br />
create more openness in<br />
government <strong>and</strong> business, a<br />
strong rule <strong>of</strong> law <strong>and</strong> greater<br />
opportunities for people to<br />
experience freedom <strong>and</strong><br />
c h a l l e n g e g o v e r n m e n t<br />
authority.<br />
7<br />
A n o t h e r a u t h o r i t y o n<br />
globalization, Clapman,<br />
however, contends that it is<br />
uncertain that globalization<br />
will bring benefits suggested<br />
by Friedman but, ra<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong><br />
next few decades, globalization<br />
is likely to cause more <strong>and</strong><br />
more turbulence as market<br />
competition becomes more<br />
internationalized. Corporate<br />
p o w e r i s g o i n g t o b e<br />
concentrated in fewer h<strong>and</strong>s as<br />
a number <strong>of</strong> transnational<br />
corporations come to dominate<br />
worldwide production <strong>and</strong><br />
distribution <strong>of</strong> goods <strong>and</strong><br />
s e r v i c e s a i d e d b y<br />
communications technologies<br />
<strong>and</strong> financial markets.<br />
D r. A n t w i - D a n s o s e e s<br />
globalization as a real<br />
opportunity for growth <strong>and</strong><br />
higher living though <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />
multilateral super organization<br />
to ensure that globalization is<br />
fair. Countries that have taken<br />
advantage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> phenomenon<br />
have had leaps in economic<br />
development whilst in o<strong>the</strong>rs it<br />
has led to worsened conditions.<br />
As globalization dwindles<br />
po litic al s pa ce f or all<br />
g o v e r n m e n t s , e v e r y<br />
government must engage in<br />
economic diplomacy <strong>and</strong> find a<br />
way by which it becomes<br />
bearable.<br />
Dr Antwi Danso suggested<br />
ways <strong>of</strong> insulating against<br />
globalization. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
greatest, he pointed out, is<br />
r e g i o n a l i n t e g r a t i o n .<br />
Government has no choice but<br />
to play <strong>the</strong> game. Government<br />
has to let <strong>the</strong> people underst<strong>and</strong><br />
policy <strong>and</strong> be part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> policy<br />
so <strong>the</strong>y will work towards <strong>the</strong><br />
realization <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> perceived<br />
goal. Globalization, he<br />
emphasised, is not a “wait-<strong>and</strong>see”<br />
phenomenon for it can<br />
only intensify its speed.
WE HAVE NOT DONE<br />
E N O U G H T O<br />
HONOUR OUR HEROES<br />
Rt. Hon. Peter Ala Adjetey<br />
The former Speaker <strong>of</strong><br />
Parliament Rt. Hon.<br />
Peter Ala Adjetey<br />
added his voice to <strong>the</strong> call for<br />
honouring our national heroes.<br />
Rt. Hon. Ala Adjetey posited<br />
that what triggered <strong>the</strong><br />
attainment <strong>of</strong> independence in<br />
so short a time was <strong>the</strong> shooting<br />
down <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> three unarmed<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ians at <strong>the</strong> crossroads to<br />
<strong>the</strong> castle. Yet nothing has been<br />
d on e to r ec o gn iz e t he<br />
significance <strong>and</strong> contributions<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se three murdered<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ians to <strong>the</strong> attainment <strong>of</strong><br />
our independence. On <strong>the</strong> spot<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y were shot, one<br />
would have expected a<br />
memorial to be erected in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
honour.<br />
Commending <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> La<br />
who had to contribute to raise<br />
money to erect an edifice in<br />
memory <strong>of</strong> Sgt Adjetey, a son<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> soil, he said governments<br />
should have taken steps to<br />
recognize <strong>the</strong> contribution <strong>and</strong><br />
achievements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se men. It<br />
is because <strong>of</strong> sacrifices like<br />
<strong>the</strong>irs that <strong>Ghana</strong> was put ahead<br />
<strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Africa</strong>n countries on<br />
independence, he said.<br />
TELL US YOUR STORIES<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Irene K. Odotei<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Irene Odotei,<br />
President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Historical</strong><br />
<strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>, pleaded<br />
with policy makers <strong>of</strong> yesteryear<br />
<strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r senior citizens to make<br />
available <strong>the</strong>ir stories for a better<br />
appreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country's past.<br />
These people, whom she referred<br />
to as walking encyclopaedias,<br />
libraries, archives <strong>and</strong> history<br />
books <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nation's history, had<br />
to contribute in writing a holistic<br />
history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. Noting that in writing our history, we do not<br />
have to build it from only textbooks but also from <strong>the</strong> stories <strong>the</strong>se<br />
people have to share, she said <strong>the</strong>re are students <strong>of</strong> history all lined<br />
up <strong>and</strong> eager to meet such people, go to <strong>the</strong>ir homes <strong>and</strong> interview<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. What we need is <strong>the</strong> co-operation <strong>of</strong> our elders. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<br />
have given us <strong>the</strong>ir life stories which have not only deepened our<br />
knowledge <strong>of</strong> historical events in which <strong>the</strong>y participated but <strong>the</strong><br />
invaluable contribution <strong>the</strong>y have made to <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
nation. We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership <strong>and</strong> cooperation<br />
in research for <strong>the</strong> benefit <strong>of</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Ghana</strong>.<br />
CRIME IS GRADUALLY EATING UP OUR SOCIETY<br />
Mr . E m m a n u e l<br />
S o w a t e y , a<br />
researcher with<br />
<strong>Africa</strong> Securities Research <strong>and</strong><br />
Dialogue (ASRD), painted a<br />
f r i g h t e n i n g p i c t u r e o f<br />
organized crime in <strong>Ghana</strong>.<br />
Defining organized crime as “a<br />
structured group <strong>of</strong> three or<br />
more persons existing for a<br />
period <strong>of</strong> time <strong>and</strong> acting in<br />
concert with <strong>the</strong> aim <strong>of</strong><br />
committing one or more<br />
serious crimes or <strong>of</strong>fences<br />
established in accordance with<br />
this Convention, in order to<br />
obtain, directly or indirectly, a<br />
financial or o<strong>the</strong>r material<br />
benefit” (Art. 2(a) TOC –<br />
C o n v e n t i o n ) . H e g a v e<br />
examples <strong>of</strong> organised crimes<br />
as drug trafficking, human<br />
trafficking, trafficking in<br />
8<br />
Mr. Emmanuel Sowatey<br />
firearms <strong>and</strong> cultural artefacts,<br />
m o n e y l a u n d e r i n g ,<br />
intellectual-property <strong>the</strong>ft <strong>and</strong><br />
computer crime.<br />
The consequences <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se organised<br />
crime networks are enormous.<br />
They not only infiltrate <strong>the</strong><br />
legitimate economy but, more<br />
seriously, try to influence <strong>the</strong><br />
various arms <strong>of</strong> governments,
security <strong>and</strong> intelligence<br />
agencies which have serious<br />
r e p e r c u s s i o n s f o r g oo d<br />
governance, national peace <strong>and</strong><br />
security.<br />
To combat <strong>the</strong> menace that <strong>the</strong><br />
activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se crime<br />
syndicates posed to society, he<br />
called for a national defence or<br />
security policy which will not<br />
only clarify <strong>the</strong> roles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
various security agencies but<br />
also enhance partnerships<br />
among <strong>the</strong>m <strong>and</strong> hence effective<br />
campaign against <strong>the</strong> activities<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se syndicates. He also<br />
called for trust building among<br />
s t at e s an d w i t hi n s t at e<br />
institutions such as <strong>the</strong> West<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n Joint Operations <strong>and</strong><br />
Groupe Inter-Gouvernemental<br />
d'Action Contre le Blanchiment<br />
de l'Argent en Afrique (GIABA)<br />
which seek to tackle money<br />
laundering. Law enforcement<br />
agencies, particularly, <strong>the</strong><br />
Narcotics Control Board<br />
(NACOB) had to be well<br />
resourced to effectively fight <strong>the</strong><br />
drug menace. There was also <strong>the</strong><br />
need to create public awareness<br />
against <strong>the</strong> harmful effect <strong>of</strong><br />
drugs <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong><br />
t r a n s n a t i o n a l c r i m e t o<br />
democracy <strong>and</strong> human security.<br />
Justice Lamptey, a retired<br />
Supreme Court Judge, was also<br />
<strong>the</strong>re to share some experiences.<br />
He discussed <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong><br />
becoming a transit point for drug<br />
trafficking. He advised that <strong>the</strong><br />
procedures <strong>and</strong> processes for<br />
dealing with drug <strong>of</strong>fences must<br />
be conducted on a fast-track<br />
basis. He complained about <strong>the</strong><br />
long process it took before drug<br />
<strong>of</strong>fenders were taken to court<br />
<strong>and</strong> called for a speedy trial <strong>and</strong><br />
lengthy sentence.<br />
PRESS HAS A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY<br />
IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME<br />
Commenting on <strong>the</strong> role<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> press in <strong>the</strong> fight<br />
against this menace <strong>of</strong><br />
organized crime, K<strong>of</strong>i Bentum<br />
Q u a n t s o n , R e t i r e d<br />
Commissioner <strong>of</strong> Police,<br />
former Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bureau<br />
<strong>of</strong> National Investigations<br />
(BNI), former Director <strong>of</strong><br />
Narcotics Bureau <strong>and</strong> former<br />
National Security Coordinator<br />
narrated his experience with<br />
crime <strong>and</strong> used <strong>the</strong> Benjillo<br />
case as a case in point. He cited<br />
articles in <strong>the</strong> press which<br />
EMIGRATION NOT BAD<br />
Bentum Quantson<br />
sought to suggest that<br />
Benjilo had been framed<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Narcotics outfit.<br />
He called on <strong>the</strong> press to help<br />
educate <strong>the</strong> citizenry about<br />
s e c u r i ty w h i c h p e o p l e<br />
perceived as an albatross<br />
around <strong>the</strong>ir necks. Past<br />
experiences under military<br />
regimes have led to <strong>the</strong><br />
perception that national<br />
security agencies only arrest<br />
people when <strong>the</strong>y are against<br />
<strong>the</strong> government. Security he<br />
said is about survival, safety<br />
<strong>and</strong> protection, <strong>the</strong> well-being<br />
<strong>and</strong> contentment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people.<br />
In order for <strong>the</strong> people to<br />
survive, <strong>the</strong>y have to be<br />
protected. Survival is a good<br />
ingredient to <strong>the</strong> national wellbeing<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. After all<br />
he asked, if <strong>the</strong> people are not<br />
protected <strong>and</strong> safe, how would<br />
<strong>the</strong>y go to work <strong>and</strong> pay <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
taxes, which <strong>the</strong> government<br />
needs for development?<br />
Victor Gbeho, K.B. Asante<br />
Ambassador Gbeho former<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>'s Ambassador to<br />
<strong>the</strong> UN, reiterated <strong>the</strong> point<br />
that migration is not necessarily a<br />
bad thing because some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
greatest societies advanced in<br />
science <strong>and</strong> technology, have<br />
benefited from immigration <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>reby enriched <strong>the</strong>ir own experiences. He made a point <strong>of</strong> scholars in<br />
America today coming especially from Asian countries showing <strong>the</strong><br />
influence <strong>of</strong> immigration in <strong>the</strong> US. It was up to us to tap into <strong>the</strong>se rich<br />
resources.<br />
In his comments Mr K.B. Asante, ano<strong>the</strong>r distinguished<br />
diplomat <strong>and</strong> civil servant, pointed out <strong>the</strong> contrast between<br />
promoting emigration <strong>and</strong> also crying foul because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> brain drain<br />
from <strong>the</strong> country. He emphasized that if emigration is seen as<br />
economically viable since it brings in money, about twice as much as<br />
we get from donor agencies <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> need to sit <strong>and</strong> think <strong>the</strong><br />
concept through.<br />
9
GHANA HAS PLAYED A PROMINENT ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS<br />
Rev Dr Nathan Samwini<br />
Rev Samwini pointed<br />
out that <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> three<br />
r e l i g i o u s g r o u p s<br />
existing in <strong>Ghana</strong> only<br />
traditional religion is homebred.<br />
Islam <strong>and</strong> Christianity<br />
were from abroad; <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>refore, <strong>the</strong>ir practitioners<br />
have international networks<br />
<strong>and</strong> linkages. The nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
expanse also requires that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
train <strong>the</strong>ir workers adequately<br />
to meet world <strong>and</strong> international<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ards.<br />
Rev. Samwini examined some<br />
religious leaders whose<br />
activities have helped <strong>the</strong><br />
c o u n t r y g a i n g r e a t e r<br />
international recognition in<br />
religion <strong>and</strong> faith matters.<br />
Their works are acclaimed all<br />
over <strong>the</strong> world <strong>and</strong> some <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir activities have augmented<br />
t h e i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l<br />
development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country,<br />
such as <strong>the</strong> mission schools <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> philanthropy <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
involved in.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. E.A. Dickson, as a<br />
Methodist minister, was a<br />
major contributor to <strong>the</strong><br />
international religious dialogue<br />
in respect <strong>of</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n <strong>the</strong>ology.<br />
He was concerned about<br />
<strong>the</strong>ology being indigenized <strong>and</strong><br />
also about <strong>the</strong> social<br />
implications <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ology. He<br />
was <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> strong opinion that<br />
<strong>the</strong>ological education in <strong>Africa</strong><br />
needed thorough reorientation.<br />
He not only believed in this but<br />
also preached it <strong>and</strong> insisted<br />
that everything should be<br />
distinctively <strong>Africa</strong>n with<br />
respect to <strong>the</strong> church's<br />
traditional teaching <strong>and</strong><br />
contribution to underst<strong>and</strong>ing.<br />
As a member <strong>of</strong> various bodies<br />
world wide, his views were<br />
spread far <strong>and</strong> wide in his<br />
preaching <strong>and</strong> writing.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Kwame Bediako was<br />
i n s t r u m e n t a l i n t h e<br />
establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Akr<strong>of</strong>i<br />
Christaller Memorial Center<br />
for Research <strong>and</strong> Applied<br />
T h e o l o g y . S t u d y i n g<br />
Christianity as against <strong>the</strong><br />
Greek <strong>and</strong> Roman cultures, he<br />
wondered if it was not possible<br />
to relate <strong>the</strong> gospel to <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
culture. The study <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
relation between gospel <strong>and</strong><br />
culture in <strong>Africa</strong> gave birth to<br />
<strong>the</strong> center which has become a<br />
part <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> networks<br />
from Latin America, Europe<br />
<strong>and</strong> South<strong>Africa</strong>.<br />
Rev. Dr. Nyomi, <strong>the</strong> Secretary<br />
General <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong> Alliance<br />
<strong>of</strong> Reformed Churches,<br />
managed to restructure <strong>the</strong><br />
organization; <strong>and</strong>, for <strong>the</strong> first<br />
time, a world congress <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
organization was held in <strong>Africa</strong><br />
i.e. <strong>Ghana</strong>.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Mercy Oduyoye, <strong>the</strong><br />
former Deputy General<br />
Secretary for <strong>the</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />
Council <strong>of</strong> Churches, was <strong>the</strong><br />
first woman to occupy <strong>the</strong> post.<br />
She is an advocate <strong>of</strong> feminine<br />
<strong>the</strong>ology <strong>and</strong> empowering<br />
women <strong>the</strong> world over.<br />
10<br />
Rev. Samwini <strong>the</strong>n went on to<br />
discuss some Muslim sects in<br />
<strong>the</strong> country. These sects have<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own roles <strong>the</strong>y play based<br />
on <strong>the</strong>ir focus <strong>and</strong> mission. The<br />
Tijaniyya is more <strong>of</strong> a mystic<br />
group <strong>and</strong> so <strong>the</strong>ir international<br />
involvement is along mystical<br />
lines ra<strong>the</strong>r than social<br />
involvement. The National<br />
Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman<br />
Nuhu Sharabutu, belongs to<br />
this sect.<br />
The Ahamadiyya Muslim<br />
Mission is more secularinclined<br />
<strong>and</strong> more pragmatic<br />
t h a n m a n y M u s l i m<br />
organizations <strong>and</strong> groups in<br />
this country; <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> head,<br />
MaulviWahabAdam is <strong>the</strong> first<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ian to become Ameer<br />
M i s s i o n a r y i n c h a r g e .<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ian Muslims are also<br />
serving as missionaries abroad<br />
in places like Trinidad <strong>and</strong><br />
Tobago, Solomon Isl<strong>and</strong>s, Fiji<br />
<strong>and</strong> in Eastern Europe, he<br />
added.<br />
On female Muslims, Dr.<br />
Rabiatu Ammah, a Muslim<br />
women's advocate, believes<br />
that Muslim women can come<br />
to <strong>the</strong> forefront <strong>and</strong> not always<br />
be pushed into <strong>the</strong> background.<br />
In conjunction with o<strong>the</strong>rs she<br />
has mobilized <strong>Ghana</strong>ian<br />
women to form <strong>the</strong> Federation<br />
o f M u s l i m W o m e n ' s<br />
Association to champion <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
rights.<br />
He concluded, however, that<br />
<strong>the</strong>re was a downside to <strong>the</strong>se<br />
religious people serving abroad<br />
s ince <strong>the</strong> inter na tional<br />
community benefits more from<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir works <strong>and</strong> activities <strong>and</strong><br />
would ra<strong>the</strong>r entice <strong>the</strong>m to<br />
keep <strong>the</strong>m at <strong>the</strong>ir disposal.
GHANAIANS ABROAD CONTRIBUTE<br />
TO THE NATION'S DEVELOPMENT<br />
Mr Richard Asante, <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Institute <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n Studies,<br />
University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> addressed<br />
<strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> migration <strong>and</strong><br />
noted that it is not a new<br />
phenomenon. He traced it to as<br />
far back as <strong>the</strong> pre-colonial era<br />
citing as an example Philip<br />
Quarcoo, among o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong><br />
eighteenth century. The only<br />
t h i n g n e w a b o u t t h i s<br />
phenomenon is <strong>the</strong> volume.<br />
Migration reflects people's<br />
aspirations to have a better life.<br />
Mr. Asante explained <strong>the</strong> push<br />
<strong>and</strong> pull factors that have led to<br />
migration. These include<br />
population explosion, political<br />
repression, wealth acquisition,<br />
education, curiosity etc. O<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
h a v e a t t r i b u t e d i t t o<br />
globalization, economic<br />
l i b e r a l i s m a n d t r a n s -<br />
nationalism.<br />
The number <strong>of</strong> international<br />
migrants between 1960 <strong>and</strong><br />
2005 was about 191,000,000,<br />
about 3% <strong>of</strong> world population.<br />
For <strong>Ghana</strong>, it is estimated<br />
around 3,000,000 <strong>and</strong> this<br />
comprises skilled, unskilled,<br />
temporary, permanent, legal<br />
<strong>and</strong> illegal migrants.<br />
Touching on <strong>the</strong> contributions<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se migrants to this<br />
country, he listed remittances<br />
which totalled about ¢<br />
1,400,000,000 in 2004 which<br />
exceeds foreign aid to <strong>the</strong><br />
country. <strong>Ghana</strong>ians abroad also<br />
make significant contributions<br />
to various sectors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
economy, particularly foreign<br />
exchange <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> financial<br />
capital needed to fund<br />
developmental projects.<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ians abroad, however,<br />
face several challenges. These<br />
i n c l u d e s e l e c t i v e a n d<br />
restrictive policies <strong>of</strong> host<br />
nations, particularly <strong>the</strong> U.S.,<br />
t h e m a j o r E u r o p e a n<br />
de s tina tio ns ( i.e. U .K ,<br />
Germany, <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rl<strong>and</strong>s,<br />
Italy) as well as ECOWAS<br />
nations. They are perceived as<br />
criminals <strong>and</strong> terrorists <strong>and</strong> are<br />
usually blamed for crimes, <strong>and</strong><br />
as a result, suffer deprivation,<br />
p h y s i c a l a b u s e a n d<br />
deportation. He cited as<br />
examples <strong>the</strong> 1983 expulsion<br />
<strong>of</strong> about 1.2 million <strong>Ghana</strong>ians<br />
from Nigeria, <strong>the</strong> murder <strong>of</strong><br />
about 44 <strong>Ghana</strong>ians in <strong>the</strong><br />
Gambia in 2005, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
imprisonment <strong>and</strong> deportation<br />
<strong>of</strong> about 16,000 <strong>Ghana</strong>ians in<br />
2006 from Libya.<br />
He lamented that fifty years<br />
after independence, <strong>the</strong>re is<br />
still no government policy on<br />
migration let alone its<br />
management <strong>and</strong> how to<br />
e n h a n c e i t . W h i l s t<br />
commending government<br />
po lic ies like t he D ual<br />
CitizenshipAct <strong>and</strong><br />
11<br />
Mr Richard Asante<br />
Representation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Peoples<br />
(Amendment) Law (ROPAL),<br />
to address <strong>the</strong> problems faced<br />
by <strong>Ghana</strong>ians abroad <strong>and</strong> also<br />
how <strong>the</strong> country could<br />
maximize <strong>the</strong> benefits from<br />
<strong>the</strong>se migrants, he suggested<br />
creating a comprehensive<br />
database on <strong>Ghana</strong>ians abroad,<br />
formulating a policy on<br />
migration <strong>and</strong> more carefully<br />
examining <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong> taxing<br />
remittances.<br />
GHANA HAS EXCELLED<br />
IN PEACEKEEPING<br />
MISSIONS ABROAD<br />
Lt. Gen Arnold Quainoo<br />
In a presentation delivered<br />
on his behalf by Mr.<br />
Prosper Addo <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> K<strong>of</strong>i<br />
Annan International Peace<br />
Keeping <strong>and</strong> Training Center,<br />
Lt. Gen Arnold Quainoo<br />
examined peacekeeping<br />
missions from a peacekeeper's<br />
perspective.<br />
He stated that <strong>Ghana</strong> has had a<br />
long history <strong>of</strong> involvement in<br />
international peacekeeping.<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>'s first opportunity to
e nte r th e inte r na tio nal<br />
peacekeeping arena under <strong>the</strong><br />
UN was in <strong>the</strong> Congo. For<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>, an already independent<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n state with a pan-<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n foreign policy <strong>and</strong><br />
committed to <strong>the</strong> total<br />
liberation in unity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
continent, <strong>the</strong> inter-tribal<br />
fighting, <strong>the</strong> army rioting, <strong>the</strong><br />
secession <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mineral rich<br />
Katanga province <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> total<br />
breakdown <strong>of</strong> law <strong>and</strong> order<br />
combined to cons titute<br />
sufficient grounds for <strong>Ghana</strong>'s<br />
entry into <strong>the</strong> Congolese<br />
peacekeeping field.<br />
In spite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> difficult<br />
circumstances under which<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ian military <strong>and</strong> civil<br />
service personnel have served<br />
under several m<strong>and</strong>ates i.e.<br />
UN, AU, ECOWAS <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
chalked remarkable successes.<br />
These men <strong>and</strong> women include<br />
Gen. Erskine, Lt. Gen. Arnold<br />
Quainoo <strong>and</strong> Victor Gbeho.<br />
Many sacrifices have also been<br />
made <strong>and</strong> continue to be made<br />
in <strong>the</strong> line <strong>of</strong> duty by <strong>Ghana</strong>ian<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>and</strong> men serving<br />
abroad in <strong>the</strong> quest for bringing<br />
lasting peace to those areas that<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ians are serving in.<br />
He said that as <strong>the</strong> world<br />
grapples with globalization <strong>and</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r evils <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new<br />
millennium, it has become<br />
n e c e s s a r y t o a s s e s s<br />
p ea c ek e ep in g me th od s ,<br />
activities <strong>and</strong> results as well as<br />
<strong>the</strong>se new challenges that<br />
confront <strong>the</strong>m <strong>and</strong> undermine<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir efforts.<br />
One major challenge relates to<br />
<strong>the</strong> continuing lack <strong>of</strong> faith in<br />
peacekeeping as <strong>the</strong> reliable<br />
solution in <strong>the</strong> resolution <strong>of</strong><br />
conflicts in view <strong>of</strong> financial<br />
<strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r logistical limitations.<br />
Lt. Gen. Quainoo explained<br />
that peacekeeping is not a<br />
strategy meant to help in<br />
resolution <strong>of</strong> any conflict. Its<br />
objective has always been to<br />
freeze conflict, support <strong>and</strong><br />
contain it <strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong> process<br />
prevent it becoming a threat to<br />
<strong>the</strong> nuclear balance <strong>of</strong> terror.<br />
This is why in spite <strong>of</strong> efforts,<br />
<strong>the</strong> conflicts in Palestine,<br />
Cyprus, Lebanon, Kashmir <strong>and</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs remain unresolved. He<br />
said it is about time <strong>the</strong> concept<br />
<strong>of</strong> peacekeeping was redefined<br />
<strong>and</strong> a conceptual coherence <strong>of</strong><br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing conflict, its<br />
prevention, management <strong>and</strong><br />
resolution developed.<br />
Underlining some o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
p r o b l e m s a t t a c h e d t o<br />
peacekeeping he said peace can<br />
only be kept if <strong>the</strong> parties<br />
involved want <strong>the</strong> peace. If <strong>the</strong><br />
fighting parties believe in <strong>the</strong><br />
efficacy <strong>of</strong> violence ra<strong>the</strong>r than<br />
in considering adequate<br />
political possibilities for <strong>the</strong><br />
attainment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir goals, <strong>the</strong>n a<br />
peace mission will not succeed.<br />
It will be necessary for all<br />
peacemakers, peace builders<br />
<strong>and</strong> peacekeepers to work in<br />
concert – without bias or<br />
partiality - for <strong>the</strong> peace<br />
mission to succeed.<br />
Pointing <strong>the</strong> way forward, Lt.<br />
Gen. Quainoo said <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong><br />
need to maximize revenue<br />
through <strong>the</strong> “wet-<strong>and</strong>-dryleaves”<br />
system, where a<br />
country uses its own equipment<br />
<strong>and</strong> is reimbursed by <strong>the</strong> UN.<br />
This, he said, is capital<br />
i n t e n s i v e a n d w i t h o u t<br />
maintenance, reimbursement<br />
becomes impossible. Secondly,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is a need to look closely at<br />
logistics as well as ensure<br />
12<br />
prudent welfare schemes in<br />
mission.<br />
He concluded on <strong>the</strong> note that in<br />
this era <strong>of</strong> terrorism, <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong><br />
need to balance <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong><br />
troops in mission to troops at<br />
home for defence.<br />
Adding to <strong>the</strong> paper Col. Aja<br />
Kojo congratulated <strong>Ghana</strong>ian<br />
soldiers on being voted second<br />
best in <strong>the</strong> world <strong>and</strong> urged <strong>the</strong><br />
nation to keep it that way. He<br />
also stressed <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong><br />
logistics before sending troops<br />
to <strong>the</strong> field observing that<br />
peacekeeping has become a<br />
commercial venture which<br />
everyone wants to be part <strong>of</strong>,<br />
<strong>and</strong> so <strong>the</strong> government must<br />
invest more else we face <strong>the</strong><br />
risk <strong>of</strong> losing out as China <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r big countries take<br />
over.<br />
Commenting on <strong>the</strong> paper, Mr.<br />
Gbeho expressed concern<br />
about <strong>Ghana</strong> jumping on <strong>the</strong><br />
b a n d w a g o n o f e v e r y<br />
peacekeeping mission since it<br />
has become an economic<br />
venture. He stressed <strong>the</strong> need<br />
for <strong>the</strong> politicians to size up <strong>the</strong><br />
area <strong>of</strong> peacekeeping before<br />
signing up for peace missions<br />
because some missions were<br />
not necessary as far as<br />
geopolitics was concerned.
THE LEBANESE IN GHANA<br />
Stating <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong><br />
h i s t o r y a n d t h e<br />
relevance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> conference at this time in<br />
<strong>the</strong> country's history, Mr.<br />
Aou ad M au ric e quoted<br />
Herodotus, “not to know <strong>the</strong><br />
past is to forever remain a<br />
child.”<br />
He commented that <strong>the</strong><br />
Diaspora concept is important<br />
in gauging <strong>the</strong> reasons why<br />
people leave home <strong>and</strong><br />
maintain <strong>the</strong>ir ties to <strong>the</strong><br />
homel<strong>and</strong>. His paper addressed<br />
<strong>the</strong> topic<br />
People <strong>of</strong> Non-<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n Descent in <strong>Ghana</strong>: A<br />
Case Study <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lebanese.<br />
He pointed out that <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
about 2 million Lebanese in <strong>the</strong><br />
D i a s p o r a a n d f a c t o r s<br />
accounting for this included <strong>the</strong><br />
harsh living conditions in <strong>the</strong><br />
countryside, unemployment as<br />
a result <strong>of</strong> industrialisation in<br />
Japan <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Asian<br />
countries, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> desire to<br />
acquire better education<br />
abroad.<br />
He traced <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
earliest Lebanese to <strong>Ghana</strong> to<br />
around 1884. They arrived as<br />
peddlers <strong>and</strong> as time passed<br />
branched into o<strong>the</strong>r sectors <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> economy i.e. distribution<br />
<strong>and</strong> manufacturing. These have<br />
made significant contributions<br />
t o t h e s o c io - e c o n o mi c<br />
d ev e lo pm e nt p r o vi di ng<br />
employment as well as social<br />
amenities like schools.<br />
The contribution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>–Lebanese cooperation<br />
has been extensive, so much so<br />
that <strong>the</strong>re are Lebanese<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionals everywhere in<br />
Aouad Maurice<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>ian society as<br />
lawyers, doctors, businessmen,<br />
in entertainment <strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong><br />
media. He described <strong>the</strong><br />
r e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ians <strong>and</strong> Lebanese as<br />
cordial <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lebanese<br />
community well-integrated<br />
into <strong>Ghana</strong>ian society to <strong>the</strong><br />
extent that he referred to <strong>the</strong>m<br />
a s G h a na i a n- L e ba n e s e .<br />
Lebanese children born in<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> conform to <strong>the</strong> various<br />
social <strong>and</strong> religious activities in<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>. These children are<br />
cosmopolitan <strong>and</strong> some have<br />
become pr<strong>of</strong>essionals by virtue<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir education <strong>and</strong> exposure<br />
to different world cultures.<br />
He conc lu ded tha t <strong>the</strong><br />
Lebanese have become a part<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> historical fabric <strong>of</strong> this<br />
country. Being here over a<br />
hundred years means a sharing<br />
<strong>of</strong> culture, integration <strong>of</strong> social<br />
values <strong>and</strong> springing up <strong>of</strong> new<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>-Lebanese identity.<br />
He called for respect for<br />
immigrants in one's country.<br />
After all, he pointed out, is U.S.<br />
not a country <strong>of</strong> immigrants<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> immediate past U.N.<br />
Secretary General not a<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ian?<br />
13<br />
AFRICANS IN THE DIASPORA:<br />
THE RETURNEES<br />
Dr Boadi Siaw<br />
After independence,<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> became home<br />
f o r A f r i c a n -<br />
Americans like Padmore,<br />
Dubois, Bill Su<strong>the</strong>rl<strong>and</strong>,<br />
Franklin Frazier <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs,<br />
most <strong>of</strong> whom Nkrumah had<br />
come into contact with abroad<br />
in pan-<strong>Africa</strong>n activities.<br />
Padmore became his personal<br />
advisor. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se people<br />
came because <strong>of</strong> Nkrumah's<br />
ideology; o<strong>the</strong>rs came because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y thought <strong>the</strong>y should share<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir expertise with <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
continent <strong>and</strong> help develop this<br />
country rapidly into a state <strong>the</strong>y<br />
could be proud <strong>of</strong>.<br />
Dr Boadi Siaw contends that<br />
<strong>the</strong> conditions <strong>the</strong>y lived in<br />
abroad was one <strong>of</strong> forced exile<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y were not welcome.<br />
Many <strong>Africa</strong>ns in <strong>the</strong> Diaspora<br />
desired to leave it altoge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Various groups <strong>of</strong> returnees<br />
came for various reasons.<br />
Brazilian returnees came to<br />
Accra <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>se were mostly<br />
Muslim. The Brazilians were<br />
fortunate to be adopted by a<br />
local ruler Kwaku Ankrah,<br />
Otublohum chief <strong>of</strong> Dutch<br />
Accra who incorporated <strong>the</strong>m
into his family. With skills in<br />
carpentry, joinery, tailoring,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y soon found employment<br />
in <strong>the</strong> colonial quarters <strong>and</strong><br />
quarters for <strong>the</strong> Europeans.<br />
The Sierra Leonean returnees<br />
had been repatriated to<br />
Freetown. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<br />
migrated to <strong>Ghana</strong> because<br />
t h e y r e c o g n i z e d t h e<br />
opportunity for <strong>the</strong>m to use<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir skills <strong>and</strong> education to<br />
play important roles in <strong>Ghana</strong>.<br />
West Indian Christian families<br />
<strong>and</strong> some individuals were<br />
recruited by <strong>the</strong> Basel mission<br />
to work at Akropong. They<br />
succeeded in starting <strong>the</strong><br />
Presbyterian Church. The first<br />
synod clerk, Rev. N.T. Clerk,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> moderator, Peter Hall,<br />
were descendants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
pioneers, which clearly<br />
demonstrates <strong>the</strong> recognition<br />
The Progress Party (PP)<br />
took over <strong>of</strong>fice with its<br />
vision <strong>and</strong> perception<br />
about its relations with its<br />
neighbours. In 1969, <strong>the</strong><br />
National Liberation Council<br />
(NLC), a police cum military<br />
junta, which had overthrown<br />
Nkrumah <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Convention<br />
People's Party (CPP), bowed<br />
out <strong>of</strong> power <strong>and</strong> subsequently<br />
power passed onto <strong>the</strong> Progress<br />
Party that had won <strong>the</strong><br />
elections.<br />
Dr. Donkoh opined that <strong>the</strong><br />
Progress Party came to power<br />
with considerable goodwill<br />
from Western powers <strong>and</strong>,<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ably, expected<br />
<strong>and</strong> ability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se men as well<br />
as <strong>the</strong> crucial role <strong>the</strong>y played<br />
in <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>.<br />
The returnees took an interest<br />
in Western education. They<br />
to ok a dva nt ag e <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity <strong>and</strong> sent <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
children to school. By <strong>the</strong> late<br />
19 century <strong>and</strong> early 20<br />
th th<br />
century, <strong>the</strong>re were many<br />
among <strong>the</strong> returnees who were<br />
practising lawyers, doctors,<br />
reverend ministers, court<br />
registrars <strong>and</strong> generally in <strong>the</strong><br />
employ <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> colonial service<br />
because <strong>the</strong>y had western<br />
education. These prominent<br />
returnees included Miguel<br />
Ribeiro who was appointed <strong>the</strong><br />
f i r s t a m b a s s a d o r o f<br />
independent <strong>Ghana</strong> to <strong>the</strong> US<br />
<strong>and</strong>, also, incidentally, became<br />
<strong>the</strong> first Chancellor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
University <strong>of</strong> Cape Coast<br />
between 1978 <strong>and</strong> 1982. Rev.<br />
A DENT IN GHANA'S DIPLOMATIC HISTORY?<br />
THE ALIENS COMPLIANCE ORDER<br />
Dr Wilhelmina Donkoh<br />
benevolent treatment regarding<br />
<strong>the</strong> economic problems it had<br />
been saddled with. The<br />
government <strong>the</strong>refore came to<br />
power thinking that it would<br />
carry through its own ideas<br />
which would be better for <strong>the</strong><br />
people <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>.<br />
14<br />
J.J. Roberts <strong>and</strong> J. O'Reily<br />
founded <strong>and</strong> headed secondary<br />
schools in Accra: Accra High<br />
<strong>and</strong> O'Reily Educational<br />
Institute respectively. Also<br />
famous among <strong>the</strong>se returnees<br />
was Mabel Dove, a newspaper<br />
columnist, advoc ate <strong>of</strong><br />
women's rights who later<br />
became <strong>the</strong> wife <strong>of</strong> Dr. J.B.<br />
Danquah. She joined <strong>the</strong> CPP<br />
<strong>and</strong> became one <strong>of</strong> its leading<br />
women. She was <strong>the</strong> first<br />
woman to be elected in <strong>the</strong> selfgovernment<br />
assembly <strong>and</strong> to<br />
any national legislative body in<br />
<strong>the</strong> whole <strong>of</strong><strong>Africa</strong>.<br />
The returnees' place within preind<br />
epe nde nce a nd post<br />
independence <strong>Ghana</strong>, <strong>the</strong>n, was<br />
secured by <strong>the</strong>ir economic<br />
contribution, <strong>the</strong>ir expertise<br />
used in making significant<br />
inputs into <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>.<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> had opened its borders<br />
to its neighbours <strong>and</strong> become a<br />
home to many<strong>Africa</strong>ns from all<br />
over <strong>the</strong> world. The Progress<br />
Party government sought to<br />
pursue a policy tailored to <strong>the</strong><br />
capabilities <strong>and</strong> national<br />
interest <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> within <strong>the</strong><br />
context <strong>of</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n unity <strong>and</strong><br />
harmonious relations with <strong>the</strong><br />
rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Busia had come to power<br />
p r o m i s i n g G h a n a i a n s<br />
employment, <strong>and</strong> this was to<br />
haunt <strong>the</strong> regime. It is against<br />
this background that <strong>the</strong> Aliens<br />
Compliance Order (ACO) was<br />
enacted. By legal instrument,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Aliens Compliance Order<br />
nd<br />
<strong>of</strong> 2 December 1969, all<br />
illegal immigrants were ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
to regularize <strong>the</strong>ir stay or leave<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> within two weeks. This<br />
was an instrument that required
all aliens who had no valid<br />
residence <strong>and</strong> internationally<br />
recognized documents to<br />
depart from <strong>the</strong> country. It was<br />
expected that <strong>the</strong> jobs <strong>the</strong>se<br />
aliens vacated would be given<br />
to <strong>Ghana</strong>ians. The order was<br />
also justified by some alleged<br />
research findings that <strong>the</strong>re was<br />
a greater propensity by <strong>the</strong><br />
aliens in a community towards<br />
criminal activities.<br />
Busia stated categorically that<br />
no elected government could<br />
sit down <strong>and</strong> ignore <strong>the</strong><br />
complaints <strong>of</strong> its people about<br />
<strong>the</strong> many aliens working in<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> while many <strong>Ghana</strong>ians<br />
remained unemployed.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r law followed <strong>the</strong><br />
Aliens Compliance Order on<br />
th<br />
June 24 1970 <strong>and</strong> this was <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ian Business Promotion<br />
Act (GBPA), which had,<br />
among its objectives, to ensure<br />
that <strong>the</strong> hiatus in <strong>the</strong> economy<br />
caused by <strong>the</strong> departure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
aliens would not cause any<br />
major damage. It required that<br />
alien businessmen not meeting<br />
a pegged turnover should<br />
leave, <strong>and</strong> also excluded aliens<br />
from some sectors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
economy – <strong>the</strong>s e we re<br />
considered areas that should be<br />
left to <strong>Ghana</strong>ians.<br />
The law mostly affected people<br />
from <strong>Ghana</strong>'s neighbouring<br />
c o u n t r i e s , s p e c i f i c a l l y<br />
Nigerians, Togolese <strong>and</strong><br />
Ivorians who were engaged in<br />
sectors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economy that<br />
required little skill, <strong>and</strong><br />
Syrians, Lebanese <strong>and</strong> Indians<br />
involved in petty trading <strong>and</strong><br />
farming. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m had<br />
lived in <strong>Ghana</strong> for many<br />
generations but <strong>the</strong>y were still<br />
considered aliens <strong>and</strong>,<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore, affected by <strong>the</strong>se<br />
laws. For most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m, <strong>the</strong> half<br />
a million cedis turnover<br />
required by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>ian<br />
Business Promotion Act <strong>of</strong><br />
1970 was beyond <strong>the</strong>ir means<br />
<strong>and</strong> unlike <strong>the</strong> Syrians,<br />
Lebanese <strong>and</strong> Indians who had<br />
managed to stay on <strong>and</strong> secure<br />
legal documents to cover <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
s t a y, t h e s e G h a n a i a n<br />
neighbours had not found it<br />
necessary to acquire legal<br />
backing. It was, <strong>the</strong>refore,<br />
easier for <strong>the</strong> Lebanese,<br />
Syrians <strong>and</strong> Indians to wriggle<br />
out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Aliens Compliance<br />
Order which gave barely two<br />
weeks within which to quit <strong>the</strong><br />
shores <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
Dr. Donkoh commented that<br />
<strong>the</strong> Aliens Compliance Order<br />
w a s m e a n t to p r o v i d e<br />
opportunity for <strong>Ghana</strong>ians. The<br />
main problems, however, with<br />
<strong>the</strong> Aliens Compliance Order<br />
had to do with <strong>the</strong> short period<br />
w i t h i n w h i c h i t w a s<br />
implemented <strong>and</strong> why no better<br />
term than alien was used.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> end, <strong>the</strong> Progress Party<br />
government's vision did not<br />
materialize. Worse still, in<br />
some aspects <strong>the</strong> Aliens<br />
Compliance Order negatively<br />
affected <strong>Ghana</strong>'s economy as<br />
she had to deal with <strong>the</strong><br />
v a c a n c i e s c r e a t e d o n<br />
commercial farms. In <strong>the</strong> long<br />
term, it created animosity<br />
b e t w e e n G h a n a a n d ,<br />
particularly, Nigerians <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
“Go-Home-Order” in Nigeria<br />
(1983) was a retaliation.<br />
She urged that as <strong>Ghana</strong> at fifty<br />
tries to find ideas for herself,<br />
we should consider <strong>the</strong> issue <strong>of</strong><br />
aliens who live amongst us, as<br />
most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m are in <strong>the</strong><br />
15<br />
category <strong>of</strong> those that existed<br />
in <strong>the</strong> days <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Progress<br />
Par ty gover nment. She<br />
wondered if we have taken<br />
steps to find <strong>the</strong>ir reasons for<br />
coming here or have had <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
stay regulated or we are<br />
waiting to repeat our mistake <strong>of</strong><br />
1969.<br />
REPARATIONS NOW!<br />
Akoto Ampaw<br />
Questioning President<br />
Kufuor's denunciation<br />
o f t h e c a l l f o r<br />
reparations, because as he<br />
a r g u e d , A f r i c a n s a l s o<br />
participated in <strong>the</strong> slave trade,<br />
Mr. Akoto Ampaw asked,<br />
“Who <strong>the</strong>n are responsible for<br />
<strong>the</strong> slave trade – <strong>Africa</strong>ns or<br />
Europeans?”<br />
The coincidence <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>'s<br />
jubilee with <strong>the</strong> anniversary <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> abolition <strong>of</strong> slavery<br />
presents an important historical<br />
moment for <strong>Ghana</strong>ians <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Africa</strong>ns on <strong>the</strong> continent <strong>and</strong><br />
in <strong>the</strong> Diaspora to reflect on<br />
injustices meted out to <strong>Africa</strong><br />
by <strong>the</strong> West, notably during <strong>the</strong><br />
period <strong>of</strong> transatlantic slave<br />
trade <strong>and</strong> colonialism.<br />
The forcible nature <strong>and</strong><br />
shipment <strong>of</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>ns to <strong>the</strong><br />
A m e r i c a s to w or k t h e<br />
plantations <strong>and</strong> mines <strong>the</strong>re, he<br />
stated, constitutes one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
“most heinous, brutal <strong>and</strong>
inhuman though highly<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>itable enterprises in human<br />
history”. He cited as one such<br />
instance <strong>of</strong> brutality that was<br />
meted out to <strong>the</strong> captives by a<br />
certain John Harding, <strong>the</strong><br />
captain <strong>of</strong> an English ship who<br />
in 1724, ordered a man's throat<br />
to be slit open <strong>and</strong> his heart <strong>and</strong><br />
liver cut out into three hundred<br />
pieces <strong>and</strong> forced down <strong>the</strong><br />
throats <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r captives.<br />
Their crime? fighting for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
freedom!<br />
The impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> slave trade on<br />
<strong>Africa</strong> was <strong>the</strong> destruction <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> productive <strong>and</strong> creative<br />
force <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> continent. For<br />
Europe <strong>and</strong> America, on <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r h<strong>and</strong>, it provided <strong>the</strong><br />
capital that propelled <strong>the</strong><br />
industrial revolution.<br />
He contends that although <strong>the</strong><br />
beneficiaries <strong>of</strong> this inhuman<br />
trade in humans have steered<br />
away from <strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong> an<br />
apology not only do <strong>the</strong>y owe<br />
us an apology but appropriate<br />
compensation, a view shared<br />
by <strong>the</strong> committee <strong>of</strong> experts set<br />
up by <strong>the</strong> OAU to examine<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>'s claim for reparations.<br />
T he Abuja De clar ation<br />
emphasized <strong>the</strong> conviction that<br />
“<strong>the</strong> claim for reparation is well<br />
grounded in international law”.<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> reasons for <strong>Africa</strong>'s<br />
justifiable dem<strong>and</strong>s for<br />
reparations are <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong><br />
trans-Atlantic slave trade was<br />
initiated by Western Europe,<br />
financed by merchant interests,<br />
protected <strong>and</strong> supported by <strong>the</strong><br />
European states <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
military forces. He fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
argued that though <strong>the</strong>re were<br />
some <strong>Africa</strong>n collaborators in<br />
this heinous crime, just as Jews<br />
who collaborated with <strong>the</strong> Nazi<br />
regime did not absolve <strong>the</strong><br />
latter from blame, so it must be<br />
in <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>. “The call<br />
for reparations <strong>the</strong>refore is a<br />
challenge for <strong>Africa</strong>ns on <strong>the</strong><br />
continent <strong>and</strong> those in <strong>the</strong><br />
Diaspora to fashion that unity<br />
<strong>of</strong> purpose <strong>and</strong> action that will<br />
compel Western Europe <strong>and</strong><br />
North America to concede to<br />
what is our due <strong>and</strong> make<br />
substantial reparations for <strong>the</strong><br />
grievous harm <strong>and</strong> damage<br />
done <strong>Africa</strong> <strong>and</strong> peoples <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n descent in <strong>the</strong><br />
Diaspora,” he added.<br />
A m b a s s a d o r S e k y i<br />
contributing to <strong>the</strong> discussion,<br />
hoped <strong>the</strong> incisive arguments<br />
made by Mr. Akoto Ampaw for<br />
reparations would lead to a<br />
review <strong>of</strong> people's ideas on <strong>the</strong><br />
question <strong>of</strong> reparation.<br />
LITERATURE HAS BEEN<br />
PART OF OUR HISTORY<br />
Dr. Mawuli Adjei<br />
Dr. Mawuli Adjei <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
D e p a r t m e n t o f<br />
English, University <strong>of</strong><br />
G h a n a , e x a m i n i n g t h e<br />
influence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> arts on <strong>the</strong><br />
c o u n t r y l a m e n t e d t h a t<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>ian society has been<br />
greatly influenced by <strong>the</strong><br />
Western ideas <strong>and</strong> values<br />
leading to <strong>the</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>onment <strong>of</strong><br />
our culture. This, he argued, is<br />
at <strong>the</strong> root <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> moral <strong>and</strong><br />
16<br />
social problems being faced by<br />
society. For, as pointed out by<br />
Casely-Hayford in Ethiopia<br />
Unbound, no people that<br />
despise <strong>the</strong>ir language, custom<br />
<strong>and</strong> institutions hoped to avoid<br />
national death.<br />
He identified two groups <strong>of</strong><br />
writers, those that held on to<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir <strong>Africa</strong>n heritage <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r group who held <strong>the</strong> view<br />
that our colonial heritage could<br />
not be discounted in shaping us<br />
as a people. The defining<br />
metaphors in <strong>the</strong> works <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />
writers are <strong>the</strong> traditional<br />
folklore i.e. Ananse, <strong>the</strong><br />
'sank<strong>of</strong>a' principle <strong>of</strong> revisiting<br />
our past <strong>and</strong> traditional values<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> subject <strong>of</strong> slavery <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> slave trade.<br />
The importance <strong>of</strong> literature is<br />
evident in its crucial role in <strong>the</strong><br />
nationalist struggle against<br />
colonial rule as some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
noted early nationalists like<br />
Casely-Hayford, Kobina<br />
Sakyi, Awolowo amongst<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs were literary writers<br />
who expressed <strong>the</strong>ir nationalist<br />
ideas in <strong>the</strong>ir works.<br />
The significance <strong>of</strong> literary<br />
works is also seen in educating<br />
us on our history. For example,<br />
<strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> Ayi Kwei Armah's<br />
Osiris Rising<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Egyptian<br />
civilization. There's a linkage<br />
between creative works <strong>and</strong><br />
history but in terms <strong>of</strong> how we<br />
capture <strong>the</strong> reality, <strong>the</strong> creative<br />
writers have more license in<br />
trying to imagine all kinds <strong>of</strong><br />
things to delve into <strong>the</strong> past or<br />
<strong>the</strong> future without fearing that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y will be challenged or that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have to prove anything<br />
<strong>and</strong> in so doing have helped fill<br />
some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gaps in our history<br />
books.
THE JOYS AND FRUSTRATIONS OF<br />
AFRICAN-AMERICANS<br />
Dr. Michael Williams, Jerome Thompson<br />
Dr. Michael Williams, former Director, Council on International<br />
Education Exchange (CIEE), an <strong>Africa</strong>n-American now resident in<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>, highlighted <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong><strong>Africa</strong>n-Americans now domiciled in<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>, <strong>the</strong>ir frustrations <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> way forward.<br />
He declared that <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se <strong>Africa</strong>n-Americans who have now made<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir home were progressive-minded. These people, frustrated by <strong>the</strong><br />
contradictions inherent in American society coupled with <strong>the</strong> discrimination,<br />
racism <strong>and</strong> violence in that country, have made <strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir home.Aside from <strong>the</strong><br />
push factors were <strong>the</strong> pull factors in <strong>Ghana</strong> which include a strong sense <strong>of</strong><br />
community, respect for <strong>the</strong> elderly, opportunities for development <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
relative security <strong>the</strong> country enjoys. He gave <strong>the</strong> example that it is relatively<br />
easier to raise children in <strong>Africa</strong> than in <strong>the</strong> US because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> availability <strong>of</strong> a<br />
social support system as exists in <strong>the</strong> extended family system. Teachers<br />
discipline children just as much as parents do. In <strong>the</strong> US, you might end up in<br />
court <strong>and</strong> jail if you look at a child even <strong>the</strong> wrong way.<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n-Americans in <strong>the</strong> country, never<strong>the</strong>less, face some frustrations in <strong>the</strong><br />
country. These are acquiring full citizenship rights, infrastructural development,<br />
particularly access to regular supply <strong>of</strong> potable water <strong>and</strong> electricity, l<strong>and</strong><br />
acquisition <strong>and</strong> Westernization or Europeanization <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>ian society to <strong>the</strong><br />
level <strong>of</strong> some <strong>Ghana</strong>ian families not communicating in <strong>the</strong>ir mo<strong>the</strong>r tongue with<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir children. <strong>Africa</strong> has almost lost its sense <strong>of</strong> traditional pride, he lamented.<br />
Linguistic studies, he asserts, show that <strong>the</strong> better you are with your mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
tongue, <strong>the</strong> better you are with a second language.<br />
People from <strong>the</strong> Diaspora would like to have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to be able to<br />
assimilate <strong>and</strong> integrate better into <strong>the</strong>ir new found society in <strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Africa</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>se issues, if addressed (in addition to collaboration between <strong>Africa</strong>ns on<br />
<strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>rl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> those in <strong>the</strong> Diaspora e.g. in business) could make <strong>the</strong>ir stay<br />
more pleasant <strong>and</strong> attractive to o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Africa</strong>n-Americans. Associations like<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n-American Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> were also essential to ensuring <strong>the</strong><br />
welfare <strong>of</strong> returneeAmericans.<br />
Jerome Thompson, President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n-American Association in <strong>Ghana</strong><br />
(AAAG) also expressed similar sentiments. <strong>Africa</strong>n-Americans are moving to<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> because <strong>the</strong>y love it here <strong>and</strong> find it very fulfilling <strong>and</strong> rewarding to be in<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>. More people keep coming because <strong>the</strong>y hear stories about <strong>the</strong> lovely<br />
people <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>and</strong> when <strong>the</strong>y do come, <strong>the</strong>y fall in love with <strong>the</strong> place.<br />
17<br />
HISTORY AND TOURISM<br />
ARE BEDFELLOWS<br />
Mrs. Bridget Katsriku<br />
Stating <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong><br />
history in <strong>the</strong> promotion<br />
<strong>of</strong> tourism Mrs. Bridget<br />
Katsriku noted that one was <strong>the</strong><br />
slave trade <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> resultant<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n Diaspora. The slave<br />
trade is <strong>the</strong> most atrocious<br />
treatment <strong>of</strong> human beings in<br />
<strong>the</strong> world <strong>and</strong> we cannot talk<br />
about it without talking about<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>n Diaspora. The<br />
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Tourism has <strong>the</strong><br />
m<strong>and</strong>ate to develop <strong>and</strong><br />
promote tourism in <strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
as such has to identify <strong>the</strong><br />
product, package <strong>and</strong> market it<br />
to <strong>the</strong> world. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
products is history <strong>and</strong> it is<br />
against this background that<br />
<strong>the</strong> ministry supports <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>.<br />
She held that, in celebrating<br />
50yrs <strong>of</strong> independence, we<br />
could not do without recalling<br />
<strong>the</strong> role slavery played in our<br />
history <strong>and</strong>, consequently <strong>the</strong><br />
present <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> future. It is<br />
gratifying, too, to note that<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is a development in <strong>the</strong><br />
Diaspora amongst <strong>Africa</strong>ns to<br />
search for <strong>the</strong>ir roots. This has<br />
given <strong>the</strong> opportunity to<br />
develop <strong>the</strong> Joseph Project<br />
which is an effort to reach out to<br />
our bro<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> sisters in <strong>the</strong><br />
Diaspora who form part <strong>and</strong><br />
parcel <strong>of</strong> our history <strong>and</strong> indeed
are family. The project invites <strong>the</strong>m back home to contribute to <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> our country <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Africa</strong>.<br />
History teaches us how to shape our future <strong>and</strong> so if we do not know our history, our future will be<br />
difficult. Knowing our history helps us ensure that <strong>the</strong> bad things in <strong>the</strong> past will not be allowed to<br />
happen again. History is not only a subject to be taught but it is also a product to be bought <strong>and</strong> as such<br />
sold to o<strong>the</strong>rs not only to <strong>the</strong> outside world but to our own people outside <strong>and</strong> inside <strong>Ghana</strong>, she<br />
concluded.<br />
1. Abudu Jacob (Mr.)<br />
2. Abukari Zuweyr (Ms.)<br />
3. Addo Prosper (Mr.)<br />
4. Adjei Irene (Ms.)<br />
5. Adjei Mawuli (Dr.)<br />
6. Adotey Edem (Mr.)<br />
Rapporteur<br />
7. Adu-Boahen Kwabena (Dr.)<br />
8. Adumuah E. Norteye (Hon.)<br />
9. Agbemetsi Mn<strong>and</strong>ililla (Dr.)<br />
10. Agbevem Michael (Mr.)<br />
11. Ahuno Theodore (Mr.)<br />
12. Ala Adjetey Peter (Rt. Hon) Chairman<br />
13. Amenumey. D.E.K (Pr<strong>of</strong>.) Chairman<br />
14. Ampaw Akoto (Mr.) Presenter<br />
15. Antwi-Danso Vladimir (Dr.) Presenter<br />
16. Aouad Maurice (Mr.) Presenter<br />
17. Asante K.B (Mr.) Chairman<br />
18. Asante Richard (Mr.) Presenter<br />
19. Asmah Rockson (Mr.)<br />
20. Atakora Kwasi (Mr.)<br />
21. Attuquayefio Philip (Mr.) Rapporteur<br />
22. Awiah Patricia (Mrs.) Rapporteur<br />
23. Baku Anita (Ms.)<br />
24. Baku D.E.K (Dr.) Presenter<br />
25. Bappulla Deemice (Mr.)<br />
26. Boadi-Siaw S.Y. (Dr.) Presenter<br />
27. Boateng Gladys (Ms.)<br />
28. Bonsa Gloria (Ms.)<br />
29. Bossman Adjei Ebenezer (Mr.)<br />
30. Cobinah Michael (Mr.)<br />
31. Darkwah (K<strong>of</strong>i Pr<strong>of</strong>.)<br />
32. Donkoh W.J. (Dr.) Presenter<br />
33. Gbeho J. Victor (Hon) Chairman<br />
34. Gebe Yao (Dr.) Keynote Address<br />
35. Gyeketey G. Larbi (Mr.)<br />
36. Hagan E.V. (Mr.)<br />
37. Halaway Fusheini (Mr.)<br />
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS<br />
38. Jerome F. Thompson (Mr.)<br />
39. Johnson Philbert (Mr.)<br />
40. Joseph Clel<strong>and</strong> (Amb.)<br />
41. Klu Frank (Mr.)<br />
42. Kpodo Chris (Amb.)<br />
43. Lamptey George (Justice)<br />
44. Longi Felix (Mr.)<br />
45. Maasole Cliff (Mr.)<br />
46. Mama Woke<br />
47. Mamaga Amega K<strong>of</strong>i Bra I<br />
48. Mcgough Lawe (Dr.)<br />
49. Michelle Edwards (Ms.)<br />
50. Minlin S. (Mr.)<br />
51. Ninfaaza Samson (Mr.)<br />
52. Nketiah Eric Sakyi (Mr.)<br />
53. Ntewusu Samuel (Mr.)<br />
54. Nyaaba Ali Yakubu (Mr.)<br />
55. Obama Roman Ehua (Mr.)<br />
56. Obeng Asamoah Peter (Mr.) Rapporteur<br />
57. Odotei Irene K. (Pr<strong>of</strong>.) Convener<br />
58. Odotei Margaret (Miss)<br />
59. Osei Kwadwo Ken (Col.)<br />
60. Owusu Hilda (Ms.)<br />
61. Paintsil George (Mr.)<br />
62. Polley Samuel (Mr.)<br />
63. Quainoo Arnold (Lt. Gen.) Presenter<br />
64. Quantson K<strong>of</strong>i Bentum (Mr.)<br />
65. Sai Fauzeiya (Ms.)<br />
66. Sakyi Kobina (Mr.)<br />
67. Samuel Annan (Mr.)<br />
68. Samwini Nathan I. (Rev. Dr.) Presenter<br />
69. Sarup Onkar (Mr.)<br />
70. Senalor Yawhui (Mr.)<br />
71. Shabazz Kingsley B.(Mr.)<br />
72. Shabazz Kwame Z. (Mr.)<br />
73. Sowatey Emmanuel (Mr.) Presenter<br />
74. T<strong>and</strong>oh Becky (Ms.)<br />
75.Yakohene Afua B. (Mrs.)<br />
18
THE SOCIETY<br />
The <strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Society</strong> in <strong>Ghana</strong> was founded in 1951<br />
under <strong>the</strong> auspices <strong>of</strong> leading scholars <strong>and</strong><br />
nationalists such as John D. Fage, A. A. Kwapong,<br />
Albert Adu Boahen, J. B, Danquah, Kobina Sekyi,<br />
Nana Kobina Nketsia <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
Membership <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> society is drawn from among<br />
historians, archaeologists, linguists <strong>and</strong> from<br />
ancillary disciplines, <strong>and</strong> includes university<br />
lecturers <strong>and</strong> students from <strong>the</strong> six public universities<br />
<strong>and</strong> teachers in Secondary Schools <strong>and</strong> Training<br />
Colleges.<br />
The society ran a journal, Transactions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>, which was <strong>the</strong> leading<br />
journal on <strong>Ghana</strong>ian history. It also published <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ghana</strong> Notes <strong>and</strong> Queries <strong>and</strong> Teachers Journal,<br />
which also served as a scholarly forum for secondary<br />
school history teachers.<br />
The society became defunct in 1983 during <strong>the</strong><br />
general decline <strong>of</strong> scholarship because <strong>of</strong> economic<br />
decay. It was revived in only 2001. The revived<br />
<strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> has since <strong>the</strong>n resumed<br />
publication <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Transactions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Historical</strong><br />
<strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong>.<br />
It has also held widely publicized<br />
annual conferences.<br />
VISION<br />
To deepen national appreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> relevance <strong>of</strong><br />
history to underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>Ghana</strong>'s past <strong>and</strong> present; to<br />
highlight <strong>the</strong> centrality <strong>of</strong> history to <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong><br />
knowledge in general; <strong>and</strong> to reveal history's<br />
influence in everyday life.<br />
MISSION<br />
To streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> discipline <strong>of</strong> history at <strong>the</strong><br />
Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges <strong>of</strong> Education,<br />
Senior High Schools, Basic Schools <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
institutions <strong>of</strong> learning through repackaging<br />
historical knowledge to reflect its changing role in <strong>the</strong><br />
context <strong>of</strong> national development. To inculcate an<br />
interest in history <strong>and</strong> publicise <strong>the</strong> history <strong>and</strong><br />
heritage <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> in <strong>the</strong> wider <strong>Ghana</strong>ian public<br />
through lectures, symposia, seminars, colloquia,<br />
conversations, conferences <strong>and</strong> publication. To this<br />
end, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> sponsors<br />
research, assists in <strong>the</strong> training <strong>of</strong> historians in<br />
universities <strong>and</strong> secondary schools, <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
scholarships, runs an annual conference open to <strong>the</strong><br />
general public, <strong>and</strong> publishes journals, books, <strong>the</strong>ses<br />
<strong>and</strong> documentaries.<br />
20<br />
COUNCIL MEMBERS<br />
The day-to-day activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> society are in <strong>the</strong><br />
h<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> a council; namely<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. (Mrs.) Irene K. Odotei - President<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Benedict Der - Vice President<br />
Dr. K<strong>of</strong>i Baku - Secretary<br />
Dr. (Mrs.) Wilhelmina Donkoh - Assistant<br />
Secretary<br />
Dr. (Mrs.)Akosua Perbi - Treasurer<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. RobertAddo-Fening<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Divine Edem KoblaAmenumey<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong> EmmanuelAcheampong<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. Kwamena-Poh<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>. K<strong>of</strong>i Darkwah<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong> Per Hernaes<br />
Dr.Yaw Boadi-Siaw<br />
Mr. Cliff Maasole<br />
Mr. H.Asamoah<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
M em bership is op en to h istoria ns,<br />
archaeologists, anthropologists, linguists,<br />
lawyers, bankers, archivists, chiefs, librarians<br />
<strong>and</strong> ordinary citizens <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> <strong>and</strong> scholars<br />
working on <strong>Ghana</strong>.<br />
APPLY TO BE A MEMBER<br />
Registering to be a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> society is<br />
simple, send your application to<br />
The <strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong><br />
University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong><br />
Department <strong>of</strong> History<br />
P. O. Box LG 12<br />
Legon,Accra.<br />
<strong>Ghana</strong>, West<strong>Africa</strong>.<br />
Or Register online at<br />
www.historicalsociety<strong>of</strong>ghana.org<br />
Tel: +233-302-502397<br />
Fax: +233-302-502397<br />
Email Address: historicalsociety@ymail.com or<br />
asafo@ghana.com<br />
The <strong>Historical</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ghana</strong> welcomes<br />
sponsorships <strong>and</strong> contributions in cash, kind or<br />
services for general or specific projects. Please<br />
call <strong>the</strong> Administrator on 0302-502397 or<br />
contact us via our email address.