Akufo-Addo says renaming UG after JB Danquah might happen “one day”

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The debate of renaming Ghana’s finest university, the University of Ghana, has resurfaced after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo intimated that it may happen in the future.

President Akufo-Addo made the thought-provoking statement during the University of Ghana’s 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.

He indicated that the famous school may be renamed after Joseph Boakye (J.B.) Danquah in the future as a homage to his unshakable drive and key role in galvanising Ghanaians to create the university.

The president lauded the role and intensive lobbying conducted by J.B Danquah, saying renaming the institution after him would be appropriate.

He contended that in an atmosphere or society that values historical accuracy and record preservation, such a gesture would not be frowned upon.

“It will be wholly appropriate and not at all far-fetched, to describe Joseph Boakye Dankwa as the founder of this university. A fact which on the 75th anniversary of its existence should be vividly recalled by all of us who have been and are beneficiaries of his work.

“Indeed, in many other jurisdictions where there is less heat in their politics and more attachment to the fact of historical record, it would not have been out of place to have this university named after him. Who knows, one day it may well happen.”

The debate about renaming the university began in 2021, when President Akufo-Addo proposed renaming the University for Development Studies (UDS) and a number of other institutions after the late President Jerry John Rawlings to honour his legacy.

Many criticised the move, claiming it was only a prelude to renaming the nation’s flagship institution after the president’s uncle.