Akyem youth petition Parliament over derogatory remarks about J. B. Danquah

The Coalition for Youth Development in Okyeman has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, over unsavoury comments made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central,  Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, referring to one of the leading members of Ghana's independent struggle, J.B. Danquah, as a traitor and a collaborator with America's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Mr Mutala's comments followed a commemorative statement delivered on the floor of the House on February 4, 2025, by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Abuakwa South, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, in honour of the late J.B. Danquah, a Ghanaian statesman, who played a role in Ghana’s independence struggle.

The MP's comments inferred that J. B. Danquah aided the CIA in overthrowing Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah on February 24, 1966.

The group considers the MP’s comments denigrating, disrespectful and misleading.

Expunge

It called on the Speaker to expunge the comments made by Mr Murtala, who is also the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, from the parliamentary Hansard.

The group is also calling for an official apology to be rendered to the late J.B. Danquah’s family.

In their petition presented to the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Djetror, by the Convenor, Akomaning Yeboah, last Friday, they argued that the statement distorted historical facts and tarnished the legacy of J. B. Danquah.

A member of the Danquah-Busia Tradition, Yaw Adomako Baafi, condemned the remarks, stressing that Ghanaian leaders should be honoured, not disrespected.

"Our leaders deserve respect, not such unfortunate comments. J. B. Danquah was a man of conviction who fought for Ghana’s progress.