- NPP gets credit for human rights protection.
- Akufo-Addo introduced a human rights chapter.
- Nkrumah's rule allowed for indefinite detention.
- Bawumia supports preserving NPP's core values.
Professor Mike Oquaye, the former Speaker of Parliament, has made a significant statement regarding the origin of human rights protection in Ghana. He attributed the country’s current human rights to the efforts of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to Prof. Oquaye, the NPP played a crucial role in securing human rights for Ghanaians, contrary to the tenure of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, which saw little regard for human rights protection.
The former Speaker expressed these views at a mentorship program organized by the NPP Council of Elders. The event aimed to educate young patriots on the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition as part of the 77th anniversary of the United Gold Coast Convention’s formation. During his speech, Prof. Oquaye highlighted the contributions of the late President Edward Akufo-Addo, who introduced a human rights chapter in the 1969 constitution. This chapter has since been incorporated into subsequent constitutions.
Prof. Oquaye emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that the NPP’s forebears brought about the protection of human rights. He contrasted this with Nkrumah’s tenure, where individuals could be detained almost indefinitely. Under Nkrumah’s rule, the Preventive Detention Act (PDA) of 1958 allowed for detention without trial for up to five years. In 1964, Nkrumah amended the law, enabling further extensions of detention, effectively making it indefinite.
Prof. Oquaye argued that this contradicts the widespread perception of Nkrumah as a hero, despite his record on human rights. He urged Ghanaians to recognize the NPP’s role in securing their freedom. Meanwhile, NPP Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emphasized the importance of upholding the party’s tradition and values. He encouraged party members to integrate history with current realities and maintain the principles that define their struggles for freedom.
Dr. Bawumia commended the NPP’s mentorship series, which aims to nurture the next generation of leaders committed to the party’s cherished values. He expressed excitement about the program’s potential to shape the future of the party. Prof. Oquaye’s statement highlights the NPP’s contributions to human rights protection in Ghana, while Dr. Bawumia’s remarks emphasize the importance of preserving the party’s heritage and values.
