President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Wednesday commissioned an ultra-modern ICT and library complex in memory of Ghanaian Statesman and pan-Africanist, Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah at Kyebi, in the Eastern Region.
A Scholar, lawyer and historian, J.B. Danquah is considered the doyen of Ghana’s liberation struggle and political history, playing a key role in pre and post-colonial Ghana. He was one of the legendary ‘big six’ that fought for the independence of Ghana.
The J.B. Danquah Memorial Centre comprises a fully furnished ICT centre and a library, which would be stocked with a wide array of books and scholarly articles written by him and about J.B. Danquah.
At a colourful ceremony attended by the Okyehene Amotia Ofori Panyin and a host of dignitaries and people from various walks of life, the President said the Centre would provide a platform and the springboard for the youth of Kyebi- the native town of J.B. Danquah- to leap into the digital world of the 21st century.
Describing J.B. Danquah as one of the most extraordinary persons that the Ghanaian people have ever given to the world, President Akufo-Addo said there was still a. lot to learn from him.
“It will not be far-fetched for me to say that Danquah’s memory will continue to live, at least, for as long as this nation of Ghana lives.
“He gave our country its name, Ghana, after years of research into the history and traditions of the people of the Gold Coast. He fought, first, for the union of the geographical entity we now call Ghana, and, then, he fought for Ghana to be established as a free, independent state.
“Finally, he fought to defend the liberties of the Ghanaian people, by insisting on a democratic system of government, under the rule of law, as the best form of government for independent Ghana,” the President noted.
Thus, the Centre, President Akufo-Addo indicated, would provide not only children, but also adults, a better insight into the breadth of Dr. Danquah’s achievements.
“Many assume they know all there is to know about J.B. Danqua…I had the great privilege to have had him as my maternal grand uncle, whom I knew and saw a lot in my youth. He certainly inspired me greatly, and has turned out to be a most lasting and reliable anchor in my life, in my thoughts, in my values and in my views. Joseph Kwame Kyeretwere Boakye Danquah, the Ghanaian people, whom you so loved, will never forget you,” he said.
He was hopeful that those who patronised the centre would be inspired by the life of Dr Danquah.
The Centre was built with the assistance from the Huawei, a Chinese ICT giant.
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GNA
