Asantehene named Nkrumah 'Osagyefo'

The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Nii Moi Thompson, has reignited historical debate over Ghana’s early post-independence politics, asserting that the title “Osagyefo” bestowed on Kwame Nkrumah originated from the Asante Kingdom.

Dr Thompson’s remarks come amid renewed public discussions about Nkrumah’s legacy and his relationship with traditional authorities in the early years of Ghana’s nationhood.

Speaking to Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, March 4, Dr Thompson dismissed longstanding suggestions of friction between Nkrumah and the Asante Kingdom, describing such claims as inconsistent with historical accounts.

According to him, Nkrumah held deep admiration for the Asante people, particularly for their courage and resistance during British colonial rule.

Dr Thompson referenced a book by the late British historian and literary executor June Milne, which, he said, indicates that the title “Osagyefo” was conferred on Nkrumah by the Asantehene. He explained that Nkrumah subsequently presented the matter to his cabinet for approval before formally adopting the title.

“I read a couple of years ago a book by June Milne [late British historian and literary executor], who said that the name Osagyefo was given to Nkrumah by the Asantehene. And Kwame Nkrumah had to bring it to the cabinet for approval before he started using it. Nkrumah had rich admiration for the Asantes, for their bravery in fighting the British,” Dr Thompson said.

He further contended that Nkrumah’s relationship with traditional rulers was shaped largely by their alignment with his national development agenda, rejecting the notion that the former President was opposed to chieftaincy as an institution.

“His relationships with the chiefs were dependent on their own roles in the national development agenda,” he added.