FLASHBACK: When Ghana’s Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah passed at 62 — A giant fell

On April 27, 1972, Ghana and Africa lost a great leader.

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President. He was also a prominent Pan-Africanist. He died at age 62 in Bucharest, Romania.

At the time of his death, Nkrumah lived in exile in Guinea. He had been overthrown in a military coup on February 24, 1966.

Despite being away from home, he advocated for African liberation and unity.

In his final years, Nkrumah faced declining health. He was flown to Bucharest for treatment but succumbed to prostate cancer.

Nkrumah was born on September 21, 1909, in Nkroful, Gold Coast. His early education prepared him for a life of activism.

He led Ghana to independence on March 6, 1957. This made Ghana the first sub-Saharan African country free from colonial rule.

Nkrumah founded the Convention People’s Party (CPP) to achieve this goal. His vision extended beyond Ghana; he dreamed of a unified Africa.

He played a key role in creating the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.

His famous quote remains relevant: “The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa.”

Even after his death, Nkrumah's ideals inspire many across Africa and beyond. Statues and memorials honor his contributions to freedom and unity.