The Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, claims that Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah coined the name “Ghana” based on extensive research on the Gold Coast’s ethnicities. While Afenyo-Markin celebrates Danquah’s contributions, historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong refute this assertion, stating that the name predates independence and was not solely Danquah’s idea.
The Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, asserts that the name “Ghana” was coined by the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, a prominent figure of the ‘Big Six.’ He claims that Danquah arrived at this name through extensive research into the ethnic backgrounds of the Gold Coast’s inhabitants. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that Danquah’s findings linked the people of the Gold Coast to the ancient Ghana Empire, meriting the adoption of the name.
During an event commemorating Danquah’s 60th anniversary of passing, Afenyo-Markin stated that before independence, Danquah traveled extensively to determine a name that truly reflects the Gold Coast’s history and identity. “We are called Ghana today because of the research and advocacy of Dr. Danquah,” he noted, highlighting the extensive studies Danquah conducted at the British Museum and other libraries.
According to Afenyo-Markin, Danquah’s scholarship revealed a significant connection between the Gold Coast’s people and the ancient Ghana Empire. He argued that adopting the name would enhance national identity and pride. The United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), consisting of leaders including Danquah, unanimously supported using the name “Ghana,” which was ultimately accepted when the country attained independence in 1957.
Contrary to Afenyo-Markin’s claims, some historians, including Yaw Anokye Frimpong, contest the idea that Danquah was the name’s originator. Frimpong explained that the name “Ghana” existed prior to independence, emphasizing that Kwame Nkrumah established Ghana National College nearly a decade before 1957. He pointed to history revealing that Danquah had originally preferred the name “Akanman” for an independent Ghana.
Frimpong reflected on Danquah’s political career, noting his defeat in the Abuakwa constituency and subsequent recognition as Twafohene of Akyem Abuakwa in 1955. He emphasized the timeline of events leading up to Ghana’s independence and reiterated that Danquah’s previous suggestions indicated a different vision for the country’s name. “I would never accept any argument that Dr. Danquah was the originator of the name Ghana,” he stated, reinforcing his stance with historical evidence.
In summary, Alexander Afenyo-Markin posits that Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah was instrumental in coining the name “Ghana” based on his research linking the Gold Coast to the ancient Ghana Empire. This claim, however, faces criticism from historians who argue that the name existed prior to independence and was not solely the result of Danquah’s efforts. The debate over the origins of the name “Ghana” continues, highlighting differing perspectives on the nation’s historical narrative.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
