A LETTER TO DR. NKRUMAH

On this day, 49 years ago, Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown by military officers to usher Ghana into a period of many coups. Some argue, including this writer, Hamza Moshood that, this coup changed the history of Ghana and her destiny.

Hamza pens a letter to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, updating him on what is left of Ghana as at now.

Dear Osagyefo,

A year away from today will mark half a century since that imperialist orchestrated event, perpetrated by dreadful stooges, took place. You left Ghana for Hanoi on the 21st of February 1966, never to return again. They struck while you were away on a peace mission. On a peace mission! Imagine that!

Exactly 49 years ago today, the train that was on its way to the total liberation and full development of Ghana (and Africa, at large) was derailed. I mention Africa because you have always been of a very strong conviction that the hope, aspirations and destinies of all the people of Africa are innately intertwined (...The Independence of Ghana is meaningless until it is linked up with the total liberation of the African Continent): and for that some criticized and accused you of a whole lot. 

A dejected Dr. Nkrumah

They say you were too preoccupied with the continent that you lost sight of the developmental works that had to be undertaken in Ghana. I retort. I ask them to show me what all subsequent governments-who have been ‘so concerned’ with Ghana's development- have done in comparison to what you achieved in 8 years, and find them wanting.

Speaking of your achievements: institutions, industries and all, it will devastate you to know what is left of them today. Some have been ignored to rot, some mismanaged and pillaged into non existence, while we still benefit, till today, from the remaining few.

The NLC Members who overthrew Nkrumah on 24th Feb, 1966

The Akosombo Dam is one of such infrastructures that are still beneficial to us today; over 50 years later. But the problem, Osagyefo, is that Ghana's current population is almost 5 times what the population was at the time of the dam's construction. Yet, our leaders seem to not realise that the nation has outstripped the capacity of the dam, and as a result, Ghana is experiencing an energy crisis. We call it ‘Dumsor’.

They are so unlike you, these leaders: Visionless. It's really heart wrenching, Osagyefo, to witness how disconnected from the masses these people become soon after we transfer power from our thumbs into their hands. What it means to serve seems to be so lost on them. I remember Mr. K.B. Asante telling us at an event, about how you eventually made the weekends a part of your working days: You and all your ministers. In true leadership style, he says, you set the precedent. Now if that isn't dedication, selfless servitude, then I wonder what that could be called.

Today, our president does nothing but insult our intelligence. Ministers of State mock and disrespect us, blatantly and constantly, all the while, looting our taxpayers money, and participating in the rape of our resources.

Things are bad now, Osagyefo. Very bad. So bad that some of our own people, Ghanaians, Africans, have expressed their desire for...wait for it...a return to colonial rule. Despicable! Preposterous! But it only goes to show how shambolic things are. It's as shameful as it is saddening how these puppets perpetuate the silly and ridiculous assertion that we are incapable of governing ourselves.

Talking about some our people indicating their want for a colonial government (which I find rather ignorant) reminds me of the bit of our people who blame our current state of affairs on you for having made the colonialists leave "way too early." What a laugh!

What haven't they done to taint your image! Now you have some brainwashed misinformed 

ones thinking you're the "worst leader Ghana has ever had." Ah, the sacrilege!

Just a few weeks ago, they reared their heads again: descendants of the traitors, making unfounded claims, publishing letters and all, trying to win sympathy; trying to play victim(s); trying to distort history. But they forget, it seems that there can be only one absolute truth. They call(ed) you "heartless", a "dictator." I laugh and say "it's only a fool who will make a dog bite them, when they have a stick in hand." Besides, it's not like they wouldn't do much more than what you did if they had numerous attempts made on their lives.

Kids playing around a fallen statue of Kwame Nkrumah

All of this sounds so grim and disheartening. Exactly so. But don't you worry, Osagyefo. There are some of us who have sought the absolute truth and found it. Thank you for writing. How immensely it's helped. And thank goodness the enemies weren't able to burn all your books and writings. I can only imagine how many facts and how much knowledge would be buried from us. 

Once again, thank you for writing. We will try, till the death of us, to represent what you stood for, and keep the struggle going.

The struggle for the realisation of your dream: A United Africa, totally liberated, rid of anti-people, profit centered capitalism. An Africa devoid of any form of imperialism and colonialism. 

Your sacrifices shall not be in vain.

Rest well, Osagyefo, and do send us some strength, dignified ancestor.