Edward Quao, Director of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, has revealed that several prominent figures, including personalities from the Western world, were present when Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, declared the nation’s independence.
Speaking on GhanaWeb’s People and Places with Ernestina Serwaa Asante, Quao disclosed that Martin Luther King Jr., the renowned social activist and leader of the U.S. civil rights movement, was among the crowd that witnessed Nkrumah’s historic speech.
“This is the same spot where Dr. Nkrumah stood and delivered his famous independence speech. However, most Ghanaians don’t know that among those in the crowd listening to him that day was Martin Luther King Jr., the U.S. civil rights icon,” he stated.
He further noted that Ghana later hosted other global figures, including legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, civil rights activist Malcolm X, American musician Louis Armstrong, and celebrated poet and writer Maya Angelou.
According to Quao, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s influence extended far beyond Ghana, making a significant global impact, particularly in Africa.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:
