The Akyem Abuakwa Presbytery has eulogised the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah for his contributions towards the propagation of the gospel and the development of mankind.
At a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah’s demise, the Chairman of the Akyem Abuakwa Presbytery, Rev. Professor Seth Asare Danso, eulogized Dr. J. B. Danquah for his dedication and service to humanity and the propagation of the gospel in Akyem Abuakwa.
Professor Seth Asare Danso mentioned that Dr. J. B. Danquah’s contributions to the consolidation of Okyeman, Akan cultural heritage, the country’s independence struggle, the defense of democracy, and the fight against authoritarianism and arbitrariness hold a unique place in the history of Ghana.
About J. B. Danquah:
The whole nation stood in grief and shock on the morning of February 4th, 1965, when the news of the untimely demise of J. B. Danquah at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison broke.
He had been detained on the orders of the Kwame Nkrumah-led Convention People’s Party (CPP) under untold circumstances.
Dr. J. B. Danquah considered himself a lifelong worthy servant of the chieftaincy institution and often described Nananom as natural and anointed rulers.
He was with Nananom at the Conference of Paramount Chiefs of the Eastern Province of the Gold Coast from 1916 to 1921 at the early age of 21, serving as State Secretary of Akyem Abuakwa. There, the foundation was laid for the establishment of the Joint Provincial Council, which led to the formulation of the Native Administration Ordinance of 1927.
He was part of several delegations with Nananom to the Colonial Office in England. Notably, the 1934 delegation successfully persuaded the Colonial Administration to enlarge the Legislative Council and allow non-Chiefs to become members.
The impact J. B. Danquah made on the understanding and preservation of Akan culture, heritage, and tradition can be seen in his cogitative rendition of a theoretical and scientific treatise on the customary institutions of the Akan people in his celebrated work, “Akan Laws and Customs – And the Akyem Abuakwa Constitution,” published in London in 1928.
In recognition and appreciation of the sacrifices made by Dr. J. B. Danquah, Okyeman created the Twafo stool and enstooled him as Okyeman Twafohene.
Okatakyie Ababio Boakye Danquah’s Remarks:
On his part, the Okyeman Twafohene, Okatakyie Ababio Boakye Danquah, promised to elevate the legacy of his predecessor, Dr. J. B. Danquah, to ensure that his legacy lives on. He said J. B. Danquah had secured himself in history as the iconic chronicler and codifier of not only Akyem Abuakwa but also Akan custom, tradition, and history.
Okatakyie Boakye Danquah underscored the need to look toward a brighter future, guided by a vision of hope, tolerance, and reverence for the opinions, lives, and dignity of all persons, irrespective of their political views. He described J. B. Danquah as the epitome and embodiment of respect for human dignity, the culture and traditions of all peoples, and the love for the freedom of all men.
Rev. Atiemo Aye’s Statement:
District Pastor of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church at Kyebi, Rev. Atiemo Aye, indicated that the Presbyterian Church will continue to honor the memory of Dr. J. B. Danquah.
Some notable chiefs who graced the ceremony included the Chief of Adedientem, Barima Ofori Asante; Kyebi Kyedomhene, Barima Bosompem; Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori Amantoamiensahene; the Akyem Abuakwa State Secretary, D. M. Ofori-Atta; Manwerehene of Adedientem, Barfour Boamah Darko; children and grandchildren of J. B. Danquah; family members; and others.