Nkrumah and Ghana - Methods Used and Reasons for Success Notes

Key Questions

1. What methods were used to achieve independence?
2. What was the role and importance of Nkrumah as leader of the independence movement?

Methods Used to Achieve Independence

1. Methods of the UGCC

1. The United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) was established in 1947.
   1. Its main aim: self-government "in the shortest possible time".
   2. It was founded by educated elites such as J.B. Danquah, A.G. Grant, R.A. Awoonor-Williams, and Edward Akufo Addo.
2. The UGCC wanted educated Africans to replace chiefs on the Legislative Council.
3. The movement criticized colonial mismanagement, especially the post-war economic situation.
4. The UGCC followed a moderate and conservative approach, preferring dialogue with the British rather than confrontation.
5. After the Accra Riots (1948), several UGCC leaders (the "Big Six", including Kwame Nkrumah) were arrested.
   1. The British, fearing communist influence, set up the Coussey Committee to plan constitutional reform.
   2. Five of the UGCC Six joined the Committee; Nkrumah was excluded.

2. Methods of the CPP

1. Kwame Nkrumah, frustrated by the UGCC’s slow pace and moderate goals, broke away to form the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in 1949.
2. The CPP’s slogan: "Self-Government Now", contrasting with UGCC’s gradualism.
3. The CPP aligned itself with ordinary working people rather than the educated elite.
4. Nkrumah used mass mobilization and popular slogans such as:
   1. "We have the Right to Live as Men"
   2. "Seek Ye First the Political Kingdom"
   3. "Self-Government Now"
5. The CPP relied heavily on grassroots support, especially from market women, who provided funds and transport.
6. The CPP spread its message through religious imagery, symbols, and newspapers (e.g. Accra Evening News, Daily Mail, Morning Telegraph).

3. Rejection of the Coussey Committee

1. The Coussey Committee offered limited reforms - greater African representation but no self-rule.
   1. Nkrumah denounced it as "bogus and fraudulent".
2. On 20 November 1949, Nkrumah held a mass rally at the West End Arena, rejecting the report.
3. He formed the Ghana Representative Council (GRC) to demand a constituent assembly and immediate independence.
4. Nationwide tours urged supporters to "organize, organize, organize" and adopt the motto "We prefer self-government in danger, to servitude in tranquillity".

4. Positive Action Campaign

1. Influenced by Gandhi’s non-violence, Nkrumah launched the Positive Action Campaign.
2. Defined as using “all legitimate and constitutional means” to attack imperialism.
3. Positive Action Day declared on 8 January 1950.
4. Despite arrest and imprisonment, Nkrumah’s mass organization kept the movement alive.
5. The CPP won the 1950 municipal elections, showing strong popular support.

5. Electoral Success and Leadership

1. The CPP built branches nationwide and encouraged voter registration.
2. In 1951, the CPP won 38 seats; Nkrumah won decisively in Accra.
3. Governor Charles Arden-Clarke recognized Nkrumah’s popularity and released him from prison.
4. Nkrumah became Leader of Government Business, later Prime Minister (1952).

6. Transition to Governance

1. Nkrumah shifted from Positive Action to Tactical Action, seeking reform within the system.
2. His government focused on infrastructure, housing, education, and university development (e.g. University of Ghana at Legon).
3. Reforms were funded by high cocoa prices.

7. Opposition Movements

1. Some groups, especially in Ashanti, opposed fixed cocoa prices.
2. The National Liberation Movement (NLM) formed, combining mass protest and paramilitary tactics.

8. Achieving Independence

1. In the 1956 elections, the CPP won 71 of 104 seats and 57% of the vote.
2. Britain recognized CPP’s mandate and announced independence for 6 March 1957.
3. The Gold Coast thus became Ghana, the first sub-Saharan African nation to achieve independence.

What was the role and importance of Nkrumah as leader of Ghana's independence movement?

1. Charismatic Leadership and Vision

1. Kwame Nkrumah emerged as the most influential leader of Ghana’s independence movement.
2. Possessed strong charisma, oratory skills, and a clear vision for self-government now, which resonated widely across the population.
3. Advocated for immediate independence, distinguishing himself from more conservative nationalist leaders.
4. Framed independence as both a moral and political necessity, inspiring mass mobilization.

2. Organizational Skills and Mass Mobilization

1. Founded the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in 1949, after breaking away from the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).
2. Transformed the independence movement from an elite-based organization into a mass movement.
3. Utilized simple slogans such as “Self-Government Now” and “Seek Ye First the Political Kingdom”, making the message accessible to all.
4. Built a nationwide grassroots network, including market women, workers, farmers, and youth groups.
5. Employed religious symbols, songs, and public rallies to unify diverse groups behind the cause.

3. Use of Media and Communication

1. Established the Accra Evening News and other CPP newspapers to spread nationalist ideas and counter colonial propaganda.
2. Used pamphlets, radio, and public speeches to reach both urban and rural audiences.
3. His communication strategy helped to popularize nationalism across class and ethnic divides.

4. Strategy of Positive Action

1. Introduced Positive Action, a campaign of non-violent protest, strikes, and boycotts, inspired by Gandhi’s methods in India.
2. Defined Positive Action as using “all legitimate and constitutional means” to challenge imperialism.
3. The campaign helped to pressure the British to concede constitutional reforms.

5. Electoral Success and Legitimacy

1. Despite imprisonment, Nkrumah’s CPP won a landslide victory in the 1951 elections.
2. His popularity forced the British governor to release him from prison and appoint him Leader of Government Business, later Prime Minister.
3. This victory demonstrated that Nkrumah had the mass of the people behind him, legitimizing his leadership.

6. Political Acumen and Negotiation

1. Skillfully combined non-cooperation with constitutional participation to gain concessions.
2. Demonstrated pragmatism by transitioning from radical activism to governance once in power.
3. Balanced nationalist demands with peaceful negotiation, avoiding violent confrontation with Britain.

7. Pan-Africanism and Wider Influence

1. A committed Pan-Africanist, influenced by thinkers like Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Du Bois.
2. Saw Ghana’s independence as a step toward African unity and the liberation of the continent.
3. His success inspired other African independence movements and made Ghana a symbol of anti-colonial achievement.

8. Legacy and Importance

1. Nkrumah’s leadership turned nationalism into a mass-based political movement.
2. His strategic vision, organizational ability, and popular appeal were crucial in securing independence in 1957.
3. Remains a pivotal figure in African decolonization and Pan-African history.