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).