The Big Six – You Need to Know

Let it be known that it was a foreign newspaper at the time that coined the phrase and it was then adopted.

Let it be known that this came about after the 28th February crossroads shootings which was occasioned by the demonstrations of veterans from the Gold Cost who were used by the colonial administration for the World War II and have not been paid what they were promised.

Let it be known that the conditions that precipitated that also could be linked to the Independence struggles, a struggle that was almost abandoned by the other 5 in the form it took at the time of the crossroads shooting.

Let it be known that upon the arrest of the 6, a Commission was formed to look into the matter. The commission, upon its investigations, concluded that Nkrumah was the architect behind the demonstrations. The other 5, denied knowledge of the happenings and pleaded to be released to go enjoy their freedoms.

Let it be known that Kwame Nkrumah took full responsibility, and stood by the incidents, because those incidents in themselves, contributed to many of the positives that resulted in leading to the attainment of independence.

Let it be known that the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) was founded and formed by Paa Grant the merchant. He brought up the idea in a discussion with the likes of JB. Danquah who was then his friend. He later arranged a meeting, and put the idea before them of what he thought and it took off from there. It must also be established that the activities of the UGCC were funded by Paa Grant including even the accommodation cost of their travels.

Let it be known that Ako Adjei suggested Nkrumah to be brought from his base in England to join the UGCC as its General Secretary after learning of his organisation skills established in his days in the USA and the UK.

Let it be known that Paa Grant facilitated the arrival of Nkrumah who gladly took up the job. Contrary to promises that he was to be engaged with a monthly salary, no salary was paid Dr. Kwame Nkrumah apart from the payment for his accommodation cost which was paid for every other member including Danquah anytime they travelled. Nkrumah didn’t bother about the failed payment because he had fulfilment from the work he was doing to liberate the people from colonial thraldom.

Let it be known clearly also that Nkrumah was the administrator who made the UGCC popular on the group after months of its existence. Before his coming, the UGCC was mainly an elites group, concentrated in the city.

Let it be known that following disagreements on the speed of Independence, Kwame Nkrumah broke away to form his Convention People’s Party (CPP) in 1949, 8 clear years away from the attainment of independence for Ghana. Question therefore is that, if those who said independence now could attain it after 8 years, can we imagine how many years it would have taken those who said independence within the shortest possible time to attain?

Let it be known that it was Kwame Nkrumah and his CPP that led the independence struggle and attained it for the people of Ghana. The CPP served as a vanguard for the mobilisation of the masses towards independence.

We cannot disagree with the contributions of the other 5, but to worship the other 5 without even Paa Grant, we cannot be seen to be fair. Grant was no mean a contributor as compared to Danquah. But for Grant, there would have been no UGCC.

By Stephen Kwabena Attuh (ASK)