According to former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is responsible for Ghanaians’ current enjoyment of their human rights.
He asserts that there was scant consideration for the defense of human rights under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s administration.
At the NPP Council of Elders mentorship program, Prof. Oquaye shared these opinions. As a part of the 77th anniversary of the United Gold Coast Convention’s establishment, the event sought to teach young patriots about the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition.
He emphasized that the human rights chapter that was added to the 1969 constitution by the late President Edward Akufo-Addo has subsequently been included in other constitutions.
“Our forebearers brought this kind of thing. Under Nkrumah, you could be detained almost indefinitely. Why? First of all, PDA allowed your detention of the 1958 law for 5 years. When it got to 1964, he amended it and said after that, you could be given a renewal for another 5 years, almost indefinite.
“Nobody likes that today, nevertheless, they see a hero in the man who perpetrated it against the people of Ghana, it’s a contradiction. We must claim it and we must know that if you love your freedom, you must love the NPP in Ghana today. Our people were developmental, selfless gentlemen, development-oriented and they spoke about it, all the time.”
NPP Flagbearer Dr. Mahaumdu Bawumi has tasked NPP members with upholding the traditions’ core values in the interim.
“As we navigate the future, it is essential to integrate history with current realities, upholding our party’s heritage involves more than honouring the past.
“It requires maintaining the values and principles that define our struggles for freedom. While celebrating our traditions and heritage, let us remain committed to the ideals of democracy, freedom and economic development. As we gather to reflect on our past accomplishments and honour our heritage, we look forward to a promising future.
“I’m particularly excited about the NPP’s mentorship series which I believe will nurture the next generation of leaders committed to our cherished values.”
