As tradition demands, Ghana once again marked Founder’s Day on September 21, 2025, in honour of the country’s first President and Prime Minister, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The annual celebration is meant to recognise his pivotal roles in Ghana’s independence and his contributions to national development.
This year’s commemoration was no different, with tributes, reflections, and public ceremonies held across the country to celebrate Nkrumah’s legacy.
However, the occasion also sparks renewed debates among citizens about its relevance in today’s Ghana.
GhanaWeb TV took to the streets to seek public opinions, asking some Ghanaians whether they still believe the celebration holds meaning, or if it’s time to reconsider its place on the national calendar.
Responses were mixed.
Some citizens passionately defended the holiday, insisting that Dr Nkrumah’s vision, leadership, and sacrifices deserve continued recognition. They argued that remembering the nation’s founding father is essential for preserving Ghana’s historical identity and inspiring future generations.
Others also argued that it is time for the Ghanaian government to reduce spending on such celebrations and instead prioritise increasing employment opportunities and creating sustainable jobs for the youth.
“He’s worth celebrating, looking at what he has done compared to others. I don’t know about the rest, but to me, he’s definitely worth celebrating. Even the places named after him are too few. There should be a monument — something that even the fifth or tenth generation can look at and recognise. Most of his works have been destroyed, but there are still legacies you can see and say, ‘This was done by someone important,’” one of the respondents GhanaWeb spoke with said.
He added, “Look at the roads he constructed — how many years ago? Some are gone, but the motorway is still there. Even though it’s deteriorating, you can still see the legacy, the handwriting. After that, there’s the township — what’s the name again? VALCO? They’ve sold parts of it to others, but the name is still there.
“… You can still see it. These are the things that matter. Even my little boy has heard that he built the Tema Harbour, which says a lot about him. So, yes, he’s worth celebrating.”
Another respondent said, “What the youth need right now is not being provided. It’s because they want to spend money — that’s why they celebrate Founder’s Day every year. Meanwhile, that same money could be used to create companies and employ a lot of young people. If they sit down and calculate the amount spent, they’ll realise it could be used to do so many meaningful things.
“If Dr Kwame Nkrumah were alive today, Ghana would likely be experiencing a better quality of life. His vision of a united and prosperous nation — one that would endure forever, as he once declared — still resonates with many.
“However, we continue to pray that God blesses Ghana with another leader who can govern with the same wisdom, foresight, and dedication that Nkrumah embodied.”
Watch the interviews on GhanaWeb TV below:
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