Ghanaian historian Dr Yaw Anokye Frimpong has urged Ghanaians to remember Dr Kwame Nkrumah as a human being rather than treating him as a perfect figure.
Speaking on Joy Prime on September 21, in commemoration of Nkrumah’s birthday, Dr Frimpong said understanding Nkrumah’s personal experiences could help people appreciate his achievements better.
He was responding to a discussion about lesser-known aspects of Nkrumah’s life that are not always captured in history books.
Dr Frimpong said there was a need to acknowledge both the remarkable things Nkrumah achieved and the ordinary human experiences that shaped his life.
“This is something books don’t tell you and I believe it’s wrong. You have to let the people know that the man was just an ordinary human being like you and I, so that you can praise him,” he said.
He argued that presenting Nkrumah as almost flawless could make it harder for people to properly appreciate his contribution.
“But if you put him top as an angel, it becomes difficult to praise him. We don’t praise angels, they already have powers,” he said.
Dr Frimpong said the human side of historical figures should not automatically be used to diminish their achievements.
He also shared several stories about Nkrumah that he said he had learnt by speaking to witnesses and investigating details beyond what is commonly found in books.
Today, September 21, 2026, marks the 117th birthday of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Born on September 21, 1909, in Nkroful, he led Ghana to independence in 1957 and served as the nation’s first Prime Minister and President.
