Founder’s Day: You may disagree with Nkrumah, but you cannot escape his light – Anatu Seidu Bogobiri Esq 

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has described the continued celebration of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah across Ghana as evidence that his ideas have survived political disagreements and attempts to diminish his legacy.

In a tribute marking Founder’s Day, Madam Bogobiri said Nkrumah’s influence should not be measured by his physical presence but by the ideas and institutions associated with his leadership.

“A man may die, but his ideas live forever. Bodies may be buried, but vision cannot be buried,” she stated.

She said Nkrumah had himself anticipated that his vision would outlive him, quoting his declaration, “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”

Madam Bogobiri said that light remains visible in Ghana’s education system, infrastructure and national independence.

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

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

“That light is in the independence and dignity we continue to enjoy as Ghanaians and as Africans.”
She said Nkrumah’s overthrow in 1966 did not succeed in extinguishing his influence.

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

Her comments come after former NPP running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, participated in the 2026 NkrumahFest at Nkroful.

NAPO’s appearance attracted attention because of comments he made about Nkrumah during the 2024 election campaign.

He subsequently apologised for those remarks. At this year’s NkrumahFest, however, he called for Ghanaians to rise above partisan politics when assessing Nkrumah’s contribution.

Commenting on the development, Madam Bogobiri wrote, “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 continued, “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.”

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

NAPO himself said at the festival that Nkrumah’s legacy should transcend partisan political differences, describing his vision as “expansive, visionary and fiercely Pan-African.”

He also described NkrumahFest as a platform capable of bringing Ghanaians together across political lines.

Madam Bogobiri used the occasion to argue that Nkrumah’s influence remains embedded in Ghana’s national identity and Africa’s Pan-African aspirations.

She urged Ghanaians to look beyond Nkrumah’s grave when considering his historical relevance.

“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, “Forward Ever, Backward Never!”

Nkrumah was Ghana’s first Prime Minister from 1957 and became the country’s first President in 1960. He was one of the leading figures of the Pan-African movement and advocated for African unity and the political liberation of the continent.

His government undertook major development initiatives, including the Volta River Project and the construction of the Akosombo Dam, while expanding education and pursuing industrialisation.

He was removed from office in the February 1966 military coup and died in exile in Romania in 1972.

The 2026 NkrumahFest was held in Nkroful, Nkrumah’s birthplace, and included political, cultural and educational activities to commemorate his 117th birthday and reflect on his legacy.