Nkrumah tribute calls for GH¢500 currency note

The Ghanaian government has been urged to introduce a new GH₵500 currency note bearing the portrait of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in recognition of his significant contributions to national development, Africa, and humanity. As Ghana’s first president, Dr. Nkrumah played a crucial role in shaping the country’s trajectory, and his ideals and policies remain relevant today not only in Ghana but across the continent and the world.

Dr. Dee Otibu‑Asare, founder of the Nkrumah Vision Alive Movement, argued that the best tribute to Dr. Nkrumah would be the implementation of his vision and policies, which continue to be pertinent to national development. In a statement issued in Accra to mark Dr. Nkrumah’s 116th birthday, Dr. Otibu‑Asare called on the government to incorporate the former president’s philosophy and ideology into school curricula and to revive the Young Pioneers concept to instill patriotism and moral values in the youth. He also appealed to historians to write more books about Dr. Nkrumah and to reprint works that were destroyed after his overthrow in 1966.

The founder further suggested that the government complement its Feed Ghana initiative with Dr. Nkrumah’s state‑farms policy. Such farms could guarantee food security, generate employment, reduce poverty, and improve living standards. They would also promote rural development, provide infrastructure and basic amenities like water and electricity, and ultimately lessen the need to import food products.

Dr. Nkrumah’s legacy continues to be celebrated, with his vision and policies enjoying widespread support. His commitment to Pan‑Africanism—expressed in the message “the independence of Ghana is meaningless, unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa”—remains an inspiration to African leaders and individuals. Voted African of the Millennium in a BBC survey, his enduring impact on the continent is evident.

Introducing a new currency note featuring Dr. Nkrumah’s portrait would be a fitting tribute to his contributions to Ghana and Africa. As the country continues to develop and grow, it is essential to remember and learn from the vision and policies of its founding father. By implementing his ideas and preserving his legacy, Ghana can build a brighter future for its citizens and contribute to the development of the African continent.