Duker calls for recognition of Paa Grant’s selfless contribution to Ghana’s independence

Former Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and former Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, George Mireku Duker, has called for greater recognition of the contribution of George Alfred Grant, popularly known as Paa Grant, to Ghana’s independence struggle, describing him as a “selfless” patriot whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the country’s freedom.

Speaking with the Daily Statesman during the celebration of the Founding Day of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) at Axim yesterday (Aug 4, 2026), Mr Duker said Paa Grant’s immense contribution to the nationalist movement had not received the attention it deserved, despite his pivotal role in advancing the cause of independence.

“If you are to summarise it, how would you describe this great man and his contribution to Ghana’s work to freedom? In one word, I would say he was selfless. Indeed, selfless,” Mr Duker said.

He explained that Paa Grant was a person who contributed significantly to Ghana’s political liberation efforts without seeking public praise or recognition for his actions.

“This is a man who contributed so much without letting people even know, without in a way bragging out there that ‘I did this, I did that,’ but for him, it wouldn’t have gotten Ghana,” he stated.

Role

Mr Duker highlighted Paa Grant’s role in supporting the early nationalist movement, particularly his involvement in the formation and activities of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which became a major vehicle in the struggle for self-rule.

He noted that Ako Adjei, who was sent by Paa Grant to bring Kwame Nkrumah back to the Gold Coast to support the nationalist agenda, described Paa Grant as “the father of the nation.”

“Yet he is not being sung. We don’t even mention him anywhere, and I keep on saying that it is very unfortunate that the people of the Western Region have not in any way taken it upon themselves to propagate the good things of this man,” Mr Duker said.

Nobleman

The former Tarkwa-Nsuaem MP described Paa Grant as a nobleman, merchant and business mogul whose vision extended beyond commerce to the political future of the Gold Coast.

“He was a man who envisioned the coming into force of independence. Unfortunately, he died a year just before independence,” he said.

Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957, while Paa Grant passed away in 1956, months before the country achieved its long-awaited freedom.

Mr Duker said there was a need for deliberate efforts to preserve and promote Paa Grant’s legacy, particularly by political and social groups that value Ghana’s history.

“I believe that as the New Patriotic Party, as a party, we need to take it upon ourselves to let the world know his contributions,” he said.

He further urged the people of the Western Region to take responsibility for highlighting the role played by Paa Grant in Ghana’s journey to independence.

“The people of the Western Region must take the pain of letting the world know what he did for us as a region,” Mr Duker added.

Heritage

He explained that Paa Grant’s heritage reflected the diverse connections that shaped his identity and influence across different parts of Ghana.

According to Mr Duker, Paa Grant hailed from the Nzema area, lived in the Wassa traditional area, where he also made significant connections, and had ties to Cape Coast through his father.

“He is from the Nzima land, yet he also lived in the Wassa area where I am from, and also lived in Cape Coast. His father is from Cape Coast, and his mother is an Nzema,” he said.

Mr Duker stressed that Paa Grant’s story represents an important chapter in Ghana’s political history and should be given prominence to inspire future generations.

He maintained that acknowledging the contributions of figures such as Paa Grant was necessary to ensure that the sacrifices of Ghana’s founding generation were not forgotten.