The General Secretary of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Nana Yaa Akyempim Jantuah, has expressed concerns about the lack of recognition for the legacy and contributions of Ghana's first president, Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, July 5, she stated that it is disappointing that Dr. Nkrumah has still not received a national funeral, unlike other former presidents of Ghana.

"It’s been 50 and more years since the late president died and no one is talking about it. After his corpse was flown to Ghana and a small ceremony was made for him, it ended there.

"Ghana has not held a national funeral for the first president who gained independence for the country," she added.

To revive and honour Dr Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah's legacy, she suggested that successive governments should pay tribute to him by prominently featuring his name and image exclusively on the country's currencies.

This proposal aims to ensure that his significant contributions to Ghana's history and independence are remembered and celebrated.

"If you want to resurrect him, put his face on our currencies and make July 1 a Republic Day because his toil has brought us this far."

She further expressed her discontent, stating that it is unfounded for the government to allocate funds for renovating Dr. Osagyefo's residence when his efforts have not been regarded.

The CPP General Secretary's remarks come after President Akufo-Addo commissioned the newly renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, making it accessible to the public from today, July 4, 2023.

The park, which is located on the coast of Accra, was built by the late Jerry John Rawlings in 1990 in honour of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President. It was subsequently opened to the public in 1992.

Since its construction, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park had not seen any revamp.

On July 19, 2022, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, cut sod for the commencement of the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

This was after the government in 2018 secured a US$40 million loan facility from the World Bank through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to strengthen the tourism environment.

Now in its upgraded state, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park houses a presidential library, an audio-visual fountain which incorporates captivating visuals and synchronised music, an upgraded road and drainage network among others.

Historical records indicate that Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, passed away in 1972 due to prostate cancer. His death occurred in Romania, where he had been living in exile.

Following his death on April 27, 1972, the body of Kwame Nkrumah was transported to Guinea, where he had been appointed as a co-president prior to his passing.

His corpse was later flown back to Ghana in a special Guinean Air Force plane.

Ever since his death, his corpse has been embalmed and preserved at the mausoleum, designed by Don Arthur.

The mausoleum also houses his wife Fathia Nkrumah.