The Osu Traditional Authority in partnership with Osu Heritage Foundation has held a symposium in honour of the late Nii Kwabena Bonnie III to throw light on the key role he played on the road to Ghana’s independence.
Nii Kwabena Bonnie III, who was known in civil life as Theodore Kwamena Taylor, was the brain behind the events that happened in January/February 1948 which led to the 1948 riot resulting in arrest of the Big Six.
Speaking at the symposium held in Accra, a senior lecturer at the Political Science Department, University of Ghana, Kaakyire Frempong, expressed dissatisfaction with the trend of events and the story told during each Independence Day celebration in the country.
According to him, there is a missing link as to the initiator or ‘brain’ behind the boycotts in 1948.
He explained that the role of Nii Kwabena Bonnie III, also known as ‘boycott hene’ on the road to Ghana’s independence is not told – emphasising that it is long overdue that steps be taken to mention the all-important role Nii played to propel Ghana’s freedom in 1957.
“We hear of the Big Six, we hear of the CPP, Kwame Nkrumah and many others. But for me there is a missing link, and that link is Nii Kwabena Bonnie III – the initiator of the January/February 1948 events.
“I am saying he’s the missing link because if we say Ghana or the Gold Coast was the first British colony to gain independence, it was because of the events of January/February 1948. And so, if he was the initiator of those activities, then we should not forget him when we are talking about the Road to Independence,” he said.
Giving the keynote address at the symposium that brought together chiefs and people of the Ga-Dangme enclave and other parts of the country, the Osu Mantse – Notsey Nii Nortey Owuo IV – described Nii Kwabena Bonnie as an astute statesman, an upright traditional leader and a visionary businessman.
“What manner of a person does this? This is a question we must all ask ourselves. In the ever – changing 21st century world we find ourselves, the moments when principles and upright convictions must lead the way are many. It helps to understand those who have walked that path. For it is only when we understand them that we can truly emulate them.
“Today we honour a man who was an astute statesman, an upright traditional leader and a visionary businessman. The perfect trifecta for times of uncertainty. His example shines forth for all to see. Nii Kwabena Bonnie III is not only an Osu and GaDangme hero, he is a Ghanaian hero.
“I would even push further to say he was an African hero. For at a time when racist laws meant Black people had to know their place, he took on a system meant to oppress him and his people. And he won. His victory was not just a successful boycott. His victory included broadening the horizon of future leaders to show what was possible with hard work and determination, topped with a sense of fairness and justice. He brought a renewed desire for each person to play their part for national growth,” he said.
Nii Nortey Owuo IV pledged to follow in the footsteps of Nii Kwabena Bonnie, and emphasised that the symposium is going to be done annually to remember all past and present heroes of Ga-Dangme communities.
“As a traditional leader and as Ghanaian, I challenge myself each day to follow the path he has set. For every one of us, from our kings and queens to newborn babies, Nii Kwabena Bonnie has left huge shoes to fill. And no matter how arduous a task it might be, we must endeavour to fill them,” he added.
