Historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong claims the Danquah-Busia Tradition is a fabricated concept by a faction of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to counter Ashanti political dominance. He argues that this narrative lacks historical basis, citing J.B. Danquah’s non-affiliation with key political movements. Frimpong’s remarks highlight the historically significant political dynamics in Ghana.
Renowned historian and legal practitioner Yaw Anokye Frimpong has claimed that the concept of the Danquah-Busia Tradition is a fabricated notion in Ghana’s political history. He argues that this notion was created by a faction of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to counter perceived Ashanti dominance in the political landscape of Ghana.
In an interview conducted on Onua TV, Frimpong indicated that the Akyem faction of the NPP, which was not affiliated with the United Party (UP) or the National Liberation Movement (NLM), fabricated the idea of the Danquah-Busia Tradition to establish political relevance. He questioned why, after the 1951 elections and amid secession discussions, the Ashantis did not recognize J.B. Danquah, who was alive at that time, as a leader but instead chose Baffour Akoto as their representative.
Frimpong further stated, “There is nothing in Ghana called the Danquah-Busia Tradition; it is a lie.” He posited that the supporters of J.B. Danquah, led by Adu-Boahen, misled the Ashantis about Danquah’s significance. He emphasized that since Danquah was not part of the NLM or UP, the narrative of a Danquah-Busia Tradition is unfounded.
Frimpong elaborated on the Ashanti political landscape, remarking that if they properly organized, they would consistently influence presidential selection. He can be quoted asserting that the Akyem Abuakwa royal house is responsible for generating the narrative of the Danquah-Busia Tradition, which he termed a fabricated construct.
Additionally, Frimpong pointed out the Ashantis’ strategic decisions during the formation of their first political party, the NLM, and later the United Party (UP). He questioned why Busia was chosen as their leader over Danquah, who was highly educated and well-respected at the time. He indicated that Danquah was not considered part of the Ashanti political fold due to the UGCC’s focus on coastal state independence, excluding other regions.
Historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong asserts that the Danquah-Busia Tradition is a fabricated concept, arising from the current NPP’s need to address perceived Ashanti political dominance. He provides a historical context, explaining the political factions and their choices that shaped Ghanaian politics and questioning Danquah’s exclusion from key leadership roles within major parties at his time. Frimpong’s analysis underscores the complexities of Ghana’s political history and the intertwined identities of its influential figures.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
