
The Big Six

The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) yesterday called on Ghanaians to emulate the selflessness of “The Big Six”, as the country marked Founders’ Day celebration.
According to the party, Ghana is enjoying democracy today because of the bravery and selflessness of the founding fathers of the country, including the “The Big Six” and other Ghanaians.
In a statement signed and issued yesterday by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, the NPP urged the entire citizenry to contribute in helping the country deal with the current economic challenges.
“The NPP therefore takes this opportunity to appeal to Ghanaians to imbibe the spirit of patriotism, and support the efforts of government in reviving the country’s economy following the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine war on the economy. The selfless advocacy of JE Casely Haford, Dr. J.B. Danquah, Paa Grant, Emmanuel Obetsebi Lamptey, Edward Akufo-Addo, William Ofori-Atta, Arko Adjei, Kwame Nkrumah, and several others, culminated in the attainment of independence on March 6, 1957.
“The Party entreats all Ghanaians to emulate, particularly, the selfless patriotism of members of The Big Six, who suffered imprisonment, persecution, and harassment in their quest for a free and independent country. If we can boldly call ourselves Ghanaians, if we can vote and choose for ourselves leaders we want, then we should know that others sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy today. The onus, therefore, lies on us to make sacrifices in making our country a better place for future generations and ourselves,” portions of the statement read.
The statement also acknowledged August 4 as the day for the formation of the Aborigines Rights Protection Society (ARPS) and the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), whose pioneering activism against colonial rule laid the foundation for Ghana’s independence.
“Once again, the party wishes all Ghanaians a happy Founders’ Day celebration. May God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation greater and stronger,” the statement concluded.
Week ultimatum
Meanwhile, the NPP has given former executives two weeks to hand over party vehicles and other valuables in their possession.
The latest directive comes barely a month after the party held its national executive elections.
The party in a memo signed by General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Koduah, and sighted by this paper, said the decision was due to widespread concerns and complaints by current executives to the effect that some of their predecessors still had in their custody party vehicles and other assets.
According to the memo, the action of the ex-party officers had rendered newly elected executives handicapped in the performance of their duties.
The party has therefore instructed the national treasurer to supervise the retrieval of all assets from former regional executives of the party.