Discussion with Eugenia Tachie-Menson: The Individual from Nkroful...
Ghanaian Statesman Dr. Kwame Nkrumah: An In-Depth Look
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and one of the country's founding fathers, left an indelible mark on the nation and indeed Africa. Born as Kwame Nwia-Kofi on September 21, 1909, he later changed his name to Kwame Nkrumah. Nkrumah was the only son of his mother and father but had numerous other siblings from his father's multiple wives, a common practice in those times. His father, a goldsmith, was resourceful and provided for his family.
Nkrumah's early education began at the Government Training College in Accra, Ghana, now known as the Accra Academy. However, his initial education began at a Catholic school in Half Assini. Later, he moved to the Achimota School, where he was trained as a teacher.
Intriguingly, Nkrumah's schooling varied from the conventional methods of the time. In his early years, classes were combined, with students from Class 1 to Class 6 attending the same classroom with a single teacher. This unique learning environment exposed him to the recitation of nursery rhymes and multiplication tables, creating a distinctively enriching educational experience.
After completing elementary school, Nkrumah worked as a pupil teacher while studying under the supervision of a headteacher. In 1927, he enrolled in the then Accra Training College (now Accra College of Education), where he met the legendary Dr. Kwegyir-Aggrey. A poignant allegory shared by Dr. Kwegyir-Aggrey left a lasting impression on Nkrumah.
The allegory, known as "The Farmer's Eagle," spoke of an eagle raised among chickens and fed chicken food. Despite behaving like a chicken, the eagle was, in truth, an eagle and was eventually encouraged to fly away and soar into the skies, where it belonged. This tale served as a powerful metaphor for Nkrumah, perhaps inspiring him to strive for more significant achievements and escape the confines of his everyday life.
After finishing his teaching training in 1937, Nkrumah taught for a few years before venturing to the United States in 1935 to further his education. He attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1939 and a Bachelor of Theology in 1942. With a Master of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Science in Education, both from the University of Pennsylvania, Nkrumah continued his academic pursuits in the U.S. However, he returned to Ghana in 1947 before completing his doctoral studies.
Married to an Egyptian woman named Fathia Ritzk, Nkrumah and his wife had three children: Gamal, Samia (the only daughter), and Sekou Nkrumah. Tragically, Nkrumah passed away on April 27, 1972, at the age of 62, following a diagnosis of cancer. He was in exile at the time, living in Conakry, Guinea, following his overthrow.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's life and accomplishments are documented extensively, with numerous books detailing his story. Reading these accounts provides valuable insights into the life of a visionary who dedicated his life to the betterment of his people and a united Africa.
- A report on Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's life uncovers his achievements in education, such as his time at the Accra Academy and Lincoln University, which fueled his pursuit of higher learning.
- The financial aspect of Nkrumah's life is marked by his journey to the United States for further education, where he earned multiple degrees, including a Master of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Science in Education.
- In the realm of politics and general news, Nkrumah's legacy continues to influence conversations about leadership and Pan-Africanism, as he strived for unity among African nations during his tenure as Ghana's first President.
