Question

Discuss the initial achievements of Kwame Nkrumah in the field of internal and external affairs of Ghana.

Answer 1

As the corruption became entrenched, President Nkrumah made a “Dawn Broadcast” in April 1961 to denounce his ministers and other public officials engaged in corruption.

Led Protest Against British Rule in Africa: The ability of President Nkrumah to lead Ghana to attain independence from the British colonial rule is very much appreciated. While before President Nkrumah, Dr. J.B Danquah and others had formed UGGC to fight for independence, it appears they were not capable to lead thus, they invited President Nkrumah from UK to become the General Secretary.

Formed the Convention People’s Party:
The British convened a selected commission of middle-class Africans to draft a new constitution that would give Ghana a self-government. Under the new constitution, only those with money and property would be allowed to vote. Nkrumah organized a “People’s Assembly” with CPP party members, youth, trade unionists, farmers and veterans in September 1948.

Overcame Opposition Within Ghana: Dr. Nkrumah used his CPP’s parliamentary majority to ban all form of opposition and declared Ghana a one party state, and all forms of criticism, including constructive ones, were utterly suppressed.
Passed Bills such as the Avoidance of Discrimination Act 1957 and the Preventive Detention Act of 1958 Nkrumahism emerged as Sole Ideology by developing a One-Party Socialist State

Foreign Policy Based on Pan-Africanism and Liberation: Soon after Dr. Nkrumah became the leader of Ghana, he pursued an aggressive foreign policy, seeking to ultimately unite the whole of Africa. Hence, he was one of the founders of the Organisation of Africa Unity. He worked very tediously towards achieving this goal. He was a founded member of NAM.