By Emmanuel Anyigba
HON. HAJIA Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Salaga South, has described February 24, 1966, as one of the most painful and important dates in Ghana’s history.
She made the remarks in Parliament during a discussion to mark the anniversary of the overthrow of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah. Although she attempted to catch the Speaker’s eye to contribute to the debate, she was not given the opportunity to speak.
The statement on the floor of Parliament was delivered by Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle. A Defining Moment in 1966
February 24, 1966, marks 60 years since Dr. Nkrumah was removed from office in a military coup while he was on an official trip abroad.
Hon. Madam Ibrahimah believes that the event changed the course of Ghana’s development. According to her, the coup interrupted major national projects and policies aimed at rapid industrial growth and national unity. She said it also slowed efforts to reduce the development gap between northern and southern Ghana, a key focus of Nkrumah’s government.
She argued that after 1966, the country drifted away from its strong push for self-reliance and African unity. In her view, Ghana began to experience deeper divisions and lost some of the international respect it had earned under Nkrumah’s leadership.
She described the period that followed as a move toward neocolonialism — a system Nkrumah himself warned against and called the “last stage of imperialism.” Reflecting on Nkrumah’s legacy, despite his overthrow, Hon. Ibrahimah said history has judged Nkrumah more kindly over time.
She described him as a visionary leader who loved Ghana and was deeply committed to the liberation and unity of Africa. She also noted his recognition by the BBC as “African of the Millennium.”
Beyond his public achievements, she spoke warmly about his private life, describing him as a devoted husband to Fathia and a loving father and son.
She concluded by honoring Kwame Nkrumah as Ghana’s Founder and First President, and urged Ghanaians to show the same level of patriotism and commitment to national development.
Hon. Hajia Zuwaira Ibrahimah also touched on the naming of Accra’s international airport, saying that while some citizens would have preferred it to bear Nkrumah’s name, they appreciate the recognition of Ghana’s history and identity.
She ended her message with a reminder that history will judge every generation by its actions, and that protecting the nation’s interests must always remain a top priority.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
