Barima Piesie Okyere-Darko, author of Echoes from the Doyen, JB Danquah to Ghana and Beyond, has underscored what he describes as the pivotal yet often overlooked role of J.B. Danquah in shaping Ghana’s independence and national identity.
Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, March 4, Mr Okyere-Darko argued that many Ghanaians may not fully appreciate the historical significance of March 6 and its connection to Danquah’s legacy.
According to him, during debates surrounding Kwame Nkrumah’s motion for independence in 1944, it was Danquah who proposed March 6, 1957, as the date for Ghana’s independence. He said although Nkrumah objected at the time, the British authorities ultimately approved the date.
Mr Okyere-Darko further maintained that Danquah, together with his contemporaries, played a role in selecting the colours of Ghana’s national flag — red, gold and green — which continue to symbolise the country’s heritage and identity.
“Many people will get to know that 6th March is the legacy of JB Danquah. First of all he said that in 1944 and during the independence motion of Kwame Nkrumah’s, it was JB who suggested that Ghana should be independent 6th March 1957. Nkrumah objected to it but the British accepted it. The Ghana flag—JB Danquah and co chose the colours red, gold, green,” he said.
