A renowned legal practitioner and historian, Yaw Frimpong Anokye has disclosed that the University of Ghana was established in 1948 from the money of Cocoa farmers who the Asantehene Otumfour Agyemang Prempeh II mobilized.
According to him, the quest for the establishment of the university came about when the British decided to build university in Nigeria at the expense of Ghana, the then Gold Coast.
Mr. Anokye revealed this during an exclusive interview on Max Morning Dew in Accra on Monday while educating Ghanaians on the history of Dr. JB Danquah.
He explained that when the quest for the establishment of a university in West African Country came about, they deliberated on it to know the suitable country they would establish it.
“Their funds was inadequate so the British contemplated on Ghana and Nigeria and decided to establish the university in Nigeria. This is because Nigeria is bigger and much more populated than Gold Coast. In this case, Ghanaians who are less populated will go to University of Nigeria to have their tertiary education,” he stressed.
However, the decision, Mr. Anokye said did not sit down well with some Ghanaians, most especially Dr. Frederick V. Nanka Bruce, the only Ga man who owned a private radio station, Zoey FM in the Gold Coast time.
He said Nanka Bruce made news with the issue for BBC to pick it and it was discussed in parliament the then Legislative council which JB Danquah was a member.
“Since the issue has gained much attention and has been the topic of discussion, JB Danquah was also part of those who advocated in parliament for Ghana to have its own university. That did not mean he was the pioneer,” Mr. Anokye clarified.
He therefore disagreed with those advocating for the name University of Ghana to be changed and named after JB Danquah, stressing that “he did not fund the university neither was it established with his idea.”
Mr. Anokye noted that the significant effort made by the Cocoa farmers in the establishment of the university brought about “Akuafo hall,” a hall which was named to honor those gallant farmers.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Joyceline Natally Cudjoe
