Founder’s Day: Nkrumah is not just a man; he is an idea – Anatu Seidu Bogobiri Esq

Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has described Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as an enduring idea whose influence continues to shape Ghana and Africa.

In a Founder’s Day message commemorating Nkrumah’s legacy, Madam Bogobiri said the former president’s physical absence could not erase the vision and ideas he left behind.
“A man may die, but his ideas live forever. Bodies may be buried, but vision cannot be buried,” she wrote.

She said Nkrumah himself understood that the vision he championed would survive his lifetime, quoting his declaration that, “I am in the knowledge that death can never extinguish the torch which I have lit in Ghana and Africa. Long after I am dead and gone, the light will continue to burn and be borne aloft, giving light and guidance to all people.”

According to Madam Bogobiri, the “light” Nkrumah spoke about remains evident in Ghana’s development and national identity. “Today, that light is still burning,” she stated.

“That light is in every Ghanaian child who has access to education, inspired by his massive investment in schools and education.”

She also pointed to the Akosombo Dam as another enduring symbol of Nkrumah’s development agenda.

“That light is in the Akosombo Dam, which continues to power our nation.”

Madam Bogobiri further linked Nkrumah’s legacy to Ghana’s independence and the country’s position within the broader African liberation movement.

“That light is in the independence and dignity we continue to enjoy as Ghanaians and as Africans,” she said.

She acknowledged the political upheaval that followed Nkrumah’s administration, including his removal from office in the February 24, 1966 military coup.

“History records how his government was overthrown, and there were attempts to erase his legacy. Yet the light was not put out,” she wrote.

Madam Bogobiri also referenced the 2026 NkrumahFest in Nkroful, where former Energy Minister and former New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, made an appearance.

“It is alleged that at Nkrumahfest 2026, a figure such as Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), who had previously been reported as making critical comments about Nkrumah on a political platform, joining in the celebration of his legacy,” she stated.

She said such developments demonstrate the continuing reach of Nkrumah’s ideas despite political differences.

“That is the power of an idea whose time has come. You may disagree with the man in a political moment, but you cannot escape his light in history.”

She added, “As he said, ‘it cannot be extinguished.’”

Madam Bogobiri described Nkrumah as more than a historical figure, insisting that his ideas continue to live through Ghana’s national identity and the Pan-African movement.

“Because Nkrumah is not just a man. Nkrumah is an idea. And ideas never die.”

“Nkrumah lives in our Pan-African spirit.”

“Nkrumah lives in the Black Star at the centre of our flag.” “Nkrumah lives in every African who believes that Africa must unite.”

She urged Ghanaians to look beyond Nkrumah’s burial place when considering his historical significance.

“So if you want to see Nkrumah, do not look at a grave. Look around you.”

“For as long as Ghana lives and as long as Africa rises, Nkrumah never dies.”

She concluded with Nkrumah’s famous political slogan: “Forward Ever, Backward Never!”

Kwame Nkrumah led the Gold Coast to independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957, becoming the country’s first Prime Minister. He later became Ghana’s first President when the country became a republic in 1960.

Nkrumah was a prominent advocate of Pan-Africanism and African political unity.

His government pursued an ambitious development programme that included investments in education, industrialisation and infrastructure.

One of the major projects associated with his administration was the Volta River Project, which resulted in the construction of the Akosombo Dam.

Nkrumah was overthrown in the February 24, 1966 military coup while he was on a peace mission in Asia.

He subsequently lived in exile and died in Bucharest, Romania, in 1972.

The 2026 NkrumahFest was held in Nkroful, Nkrumah’s birthplace, as part of activities marking what would have been his 117th birthday.

The celebration was organised under the theme, “Nkrumah @ 117: Celebrating His Enduring Legacy – Africa Must Unite or Perish.”