Ashanti Region ready to host future editions of NkrumahFest — Dr. Frank Amoakohene

Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has urged the transmission of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's ideals to younger generations, emphasizing that Nkrumah's legacy must remain an active part of the national and African discourse. At the 2026 NkrumahFest, held in Nkroful, Dr. Amoakohene highlighted that Nkrumah should be viewed not just as a historical figure, but as a living idea centered on freedom, dignity, self-determination, development, and African unity.

He stated that the annual festival provides a crucial platform to reacquaint younger generations with Nkrumah's vision and values.

During a casual conversation with young individuals prior to the event, Dr. Amoakohene learned that some recognized Nkrumah as a visionary and selfless leader who fought for Ghana's independence, while others noted his commitment to African unity and belief in Africa's ability to manage its affairs. However, one young person's response particularly resonated with him: the individual only knew about Nkrumah through books.

Dr. Amoakohene views this as a testament to the obligation of the current generation to ensure Nkrumah's ideas remain accessible and pertinent to young people.

The Ashanti Regional Minister acknowledged that Nkrumah understood political independence was merely one aspect of Africa's broader struggle, extending his vision beyond Ghana's borders to include the political and economic advancement of the entire continent. Dr. Amoakohene challenged the present generation to transcend political freedom and strive for prosperity and a better future for Africans.

He emphasized that while the accomplishments of Nkrumah's generation inspired them to imagine freedom, it is the duty of the current generation to envision prosperity.

Furthermore, Dr. Amoakohene announced the Ashanti Region's willingness to host future editions of NkrumahFest, viewing it as a step towards expanding the celebration beyond Nkroful and turning it into a national and continental platform. He argued that Nkrumah, born in Nkroful, eventually became a national icon and continental symbol, suggesting that the festival should similarly tour Ghana and Africa.

The Minister invited the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Convener of NkrumahFest, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, along with the festival organizers, expressing his hope that the initiative would eventually be nationalized and spread across the African continent.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Amoakohene differentiated between the responsibilities of Nkrumah's generation and that of today's. He asserted that while the former fought for independence, the latter must champion development, opportunity, justice, dignity, and prosperity. He called for the continued preservation of Nkrumah's history and legacy while urging Ghanaians and Africans to contribute to the vision of a peaceful, united, and prosperous continent. "Indeed, Nkrumah never dies," Dr. Amoakohene remarked.