Alexander Afenyo-Markin claims JB Danquah coined the name “Ghana” based on research that connected Gold Coast residents to the ancient Ghana Empire. He asserts the name was adopted by unanimous decision among UGCC leaders for independence in 1957. Counterarguments from some historians suggest that the name predated this and that Danquah favored a different name.
Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Member of Parliament for Effutu, asserts that Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, a pivotal figure during Ghana’s independence, coined the name “Ghana” after researching ethnic origins in the Gold Coast. Speaking at a commemorative event marking 60 years since Danquah’s passing on March 9, 2025, Afenyo-Markin claimed the name was inspired by the link between the Gold Coast’s people and the ancient Ghana Empire, which symbolized strength and heritage.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that Dr. Danquah spent significant time researching suitable names that reflected the identity of the Gold Coast’s inhabitants. He noted Danquah’s thorough investigations at the British Museum among other libraries, where he found a historical connection that justified the adoption of the name “Ghana” for national pride.
The MP stated that in forming the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947, key leaders, including Danquah, agreed to rename the Gold Coast to Ghana upon independence, a proposal that was accepted when independence was achieved in 1957. This consensus indicated a united front for national identity among independence leaders.
In contrast, some historical perspectives challenge Afenyo-Markin’s claims. Historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong contend that the name “Ghana” existed prior to independence. He referenced Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, who named a school “Ghana National College” nearly a decade before independence, suggesting the name was in common use long before the shift from Gold Coast to Ghana was formalized.
Frimpong also argued that Danquah proposed the name “Akanman” instead of Ghana, further questioning Afenyo-Markin’s narrative. His comments highlight that Danquah experienced significant political defeats, and while honored in his community, his direct impact on the name’s adoption is disputed.
In summary, Alexander Afenyo-Markin attributes the naming of Ghana to Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah’s extensive research into local ethnicities and connections to the ancient Ghana Empire. While this narrative highlights Danquah’s role in the independence movement, historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong argue against this claim, stating the name already existed before independence and suggesting Danquah had considered an alternative name. This discussion reflects the complexities surrounding Ghana’s identity formation.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
