Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has called on the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to do more to honour the legacy of Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, stressing that many aspects of his life and work can be developed into important tourist and educational attractions.
His comments come as Parliament marks the 61st anniversary of the passing of the renowned statesman, lawyer, scholar, and nationalist.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Annoh-Dompreh expressed concern that Ghana has not fully capitalised on Dr. J.B. Danquah’s historical significance. He pointed to key sites such as his burial place and other locations linked to his life, saying they deserve proper development and promotion.
“I think the Ghana Tourism Authority can make some adjustments in how we cash in on the legacies of J.B. Danquah,” he said. “I’m surprised that up to this stage, even the cell where he passed away has not been developed as a site of interest. These are things people will travel from near and far to come and see.”
He added that Dr. Danquah’s burial site, if properly developed, could become a major point of attraction. He also highlighted Dr. Danquah’s intellectual contributions, noting that his writings and scholarly works, many of which can be found at the Balme Library of the University of Ghana remain valuable to the nation.
Annoh-Dompreh stressed that remembering a figure of Dr. Danquah’s stature should serve as a unifying force rather than a source of division. “It saddens me when we allow unnecessary differences to overshadow the achievements of our forebears,” he noted. “We should celebrate them for what they did for this country.”
While acknowledging landmarks such as the J.B. Danquah Circle, he said such gestures are not enough. According to him, Ghana must go further by properly documenting, preserving, and promoting Dr. Danquah’s role in the development of the country’s constitutional democracy and political traditions.
He concluded by urging the nation to deliberately distil and celebrate the full scope of Dr. J.B. Danquah’s contributions, saying this is how Ghana can build a strong legacy for future generations.
Writer: Frederick Nortey
