Dear Mr. President,
My heartfelt condolences to you and the entire nation for the deaths of our brothers in the helicopter crash in the Obuasi area last week. May their memories be a blessing to all of us, regardless of our political coloration.
Your Excellency, I write this letter with deep respect and a heartfelt concern for the unity and historical integrity of our beloved nation.
Your recent address during the national day of mourning was a solemn and dignified moment, one that reminded us of the sacrifices and leadership that have shaped Ghana’s journey. Yet, I was deeply troubled by the omission of Professor Kofi Abrefa Busia from your roll call of past leaders.
Professor Busia was not merely a political figure from a rival tradition—he was a scholar, a democrat, and a statesman whose contributions to Ghana’s development are worthy of recognition.
As Prime Minister from 1969 to 1972, he championed rural development, decentralization, and the rule of law. His government laid the groundwork for participatory governance and emphasized civil liberties, academic freedom, and the dignity of the individual. These are values that transcend party lines and speak to the soul of our nation.
To leave his name unspoken on a day meant for national reflection felt like a wound reopened. It is in moments like these that the true measure of statesmanship is tested—not in the celebration of allies, but in the magnanimity shown toward those from across the aisle.
Ghana’s history is not the property of any one party or one individual; it belongs to all of us. And when we honor our leaders, we must do so with the fullness of truth and the humility of unity.
Professor Busia once said, “Democracy is not a luxury, it is a necessity.” His words should remind us that the strength of our democracy lies in our ability to honor all voices, all traditions, and all contributions—especially those that differ from our own.
I believe in your commitment to Ghana’s progress, and I trust that future commemorations will reflect a more inclusive narrative—one that embraces the entirety of our leadership legacy. Only then can we truly heal, unify, and move forward as one people.
Thank you for your service and for the opportunity to speak from the heart.
Yours sincerely,
Acheampong Yaw Amoateng, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus of Sociology, the Catholic University of Ghana, Fiapre, Sunyani. He writes in his personal capacity.
