The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged Ghanaians to embrace the long-term vision of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, by committing to national projects that go beyond political cycles.
Speaking at Nkroful in the Western Region during the 116th birthday celebration of Dr Nkrumah, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Mr Buah reminded the gathering that the late President’s legacy was anchored in building for generations rather than short-term gains.
“Dr Nkrumah’s projects were not for the next election but for the next century,” he declared, adding that the spirit of the annual Nkrumahfest celebration must inspire a new wave of nation-building anchored on sustainability, unity, and courage.
Mr Buah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, used the platform to raise fresh concerns about illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), which he described as environmental terrorism.
He warned that the destruction of rivers, forests, and farmlands is jeopardising Ghana’s future, including the health of newborn babies. “The River Ankobra is polluted just because only a few people can be rich at the expense of others,” he said, calling for collective action to safeguard the environment.
The durbar, themed “Journey to Nkroful: Unite, Celebrate and Enjoy,” drew government officials, traditional leaders, academics, and cultural groups. It highlighted Dr Nkrumah’s enduring legacy as a liberator, visionary, and architect of modern Ghana.
Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie announced that Nkrumahfest has now been adopted as a national celebration, while Samia Nkrumah, daughter of the former President, thanked President John Dramani Mahama for restoring Founder’s Day as a national holiday.
She said Nkrumah’s vision for freedom, unity, and industrialisation remains a guiding light for Ghana and Africa.
Traditional leaders, including Nana Kwesi Kutua of Nkroful and Nana Kobina Nketiah, Omanhene of Essikado, renewed calls for development projects in Nkroful, including a hospital and a university to support the emerging petroleum hub. They also appealed to political parties to put aside partisanship and commit to Dr Nkrumah’s ideals of selflessness and national unity.
The colourful ceremony featured cultural performances and tributes that celebrated Nkrumah’s unmatched contributions to African liberation, with speakers agreeing that Ghana must revive his model of leadership — one built for posterity, not political expediency.
