Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Sir Sam Jonah has encouraged Ghanaians to draw inspiration from Ghana's founding father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He urged citizens to work hard for the country's socio-economic development and embrace the ideals and principles of Dr. Nkrumah, which include endurance, Pan-Africanism, democracy, rule of law, freedom, and justice.

Dr. Jonah made these remarks during the opening of the 13th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures at UCC, which focused on reflecting on Dr. Nkrumah's contributions and the enduring relevance of his ideas. The theme of the lectures was "Diaspora, Pan-Africanism, and Spiritual Awakening: Nkrumah’s Years Abroad and as Head of State." The program aimed to explore how Dr. Nkrumah's vision could be applied to address the challenges facing the African continent.

According to Dr. Sir Jonah, what sets the great leader apart was not only his historical significance to “us but also the enduring relevance of his ideas and insights.”

“He foresaw and wrote extensively about the multifaceted challenges that Africa faces today, encompassing political, social, and economic dimensions,” he said of Dr. Nkrumah.

“His ability to articulate these challenges with clarity and propose solutions underscores his status as a pre-eminent thinker and doer,” the Chancellor noted. Dr. Jonah said Dr. Nkrumah’s leadership frontiers had been recognized globally, making him the greatest leader in the post-colonial era, for his pivotal role in the emancipation of Africa from colonial rule.

That feat, he stated, reverberated through the annals of history, making him a visionary whose ideas and leadership transcended his time, leaving an indelible mark on the course of history.

“Dr. Nkrumah’s unwavering commitment to serving the interests of the common man remains a guiding light for our leaders today. His ideas continue to shape the aspirations of leaders and citizens striving for a better future in Africa and indeed the world at large.

“His achievements, with Ghana’s independence struggles and his broader pan-African vision, are nothing short of legendary. His legacy has only grown more profound and celebrated since his passing,” Dr. Jonah observed.

According to him, nationalists’ politics was dangerous, making several of the first generation of independent Africa’s leaders, leaving prison to Government House.

He said many of such leaders saw it as a “calling” and this noble sense of vocation was not surprising because many were products of missionary education.

The 13th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures, held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), focused on the relationship between spirituality, Pan-Africanism, and the life of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The lectures aimed to shed light on the influence of spirituality on Dr. Nkrumah's life, both during his years abroad as a student and during his tenure as the head of state of Ghana.

Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Akyeampong, a Professor of History of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, provided insights into Nkrumah's life and spirituality. He highlighted how Nkrumah's experiences in the United States, his faith, and his engagement with issues of race, empire, and capitalism shaped his questioning pan-African spirit. While Nkrumah questioned organized religion and its authority over Africans, he did not reject religion and found solace in spirituality.

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lecture series, initiated by UCC in 1974 and inaugurated in November 1976, addresses issues related to the social, economic, and political development of Africa and the black race, which were of significance to Dr. Nkrumah. This annual event has featured notable speakers over the years, including former heads of state, academics, and leaders in various fields.

The theme of this year's lectures, "Diaspora, Pan-Africanism, and Spiritual Awakening: Nkrumah’s Years Abroad and as Head of State," provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions on how Nkrumah's spiritual and pan-African beliefs influenced his political journey.