Former diplomat bemoans sidelining of chiefs in anniversary celebrations

Accra, Feb. 20, GNA – Dr. David Bosumtwi, Ghana's High Commissioner to Kenya in the First Republic, on Monday described as unfortunate the marginalisation of the significant role played by chiefs in the independence struggle as part of the country's Golden Jubilee celebrations.He noted that activities marking the celebrations so far had not given any prominence to the incalculable contributions of the chiefs and stressed the need to factor in the role of the custodians of the land.He made the remark at a colloquium organized by the Centre for African Art and Civilization as part of activities marking this year's African World History Month. A book entitled "Bloody Saturday", elaborating the experiences of the 28th February, 1948 was also launched at the function by Dr. K.B. Asante, a former diplomat. Mr Yaw Adjei Appiah authored the book.
     Dr. Bosumtwi said it was regrettable that no credit had so far been given to the Chiefs for their remarkable contribution of setting the pace for the independence struggle, in our History Books or in the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
     The colloquium was characterized by the exhibition of portraits of past African heads of state and other freedom fighters.
     One of such eminent and gallant chiefs, he said, was Nii Bonne III, Osu Alata Mantse, in Accra."But for Nii Bonne there would have been no occasion for Nkrumah to declare a Positive Action for Independence."
     Nii Bonne III was a sub-chief of Osu in Accra who organized and led a march to boycott imported goods in Accra on 28th February 1948. The boycott led to the halting of economic and social activities in the capital and saw the subsequent arrest of the famous Big Six by the British Colonial authorities and the shooting of some Ghana ex-servicemen at the Crossroads of the Christianborg Castle.
20 Feb. 07