Ghanaians have taken to social and traditional media to remember and celebrate one of Ghana's traditional and political icon, Nana Bafour Akoto, the Late Senior Linguist of the Asantehene and Founder of the National Liberation Movement (NLM).
Born 117 years ago today, Nana Bafour Akoto, is credited as the Crusader of Ghana's journey to real freedom and multi-party democracy.
He is also the father of the immediate past and current Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who is associated with the now famous Planting for Food and Jobs(PFJ) initiative.
The Late Senior Linguist of the Asante Kingdom is also seen as the 'Father' of UP Tradition, having worked hard to bring the Northern Peoples Party to merge with the National Liberation Movement (NLM) to form the United Party which metamorphosed into the now New Patriotic Party.
Nana Bafour Akoto, who suffered political persecution and incarceration by the Government of the Convention People's Party (CPP) led by Dr Kwame Nkrumah, is associated with the popular Re: Akoto and 7 Others, a landmark case that has become the reference point of study for Law Students and everyone interested in studying the legal jurisprudence of Ghana's modern-day multi-party democracy.
On the occasion of his 117th Birthday Anniversary, many high profile Ghanaians have been honouring his memory and celebrating his contribution to Ghana's multi-party democracy.
The former Minister for Education and Minister-designate for Energy, Hon. Dr Mathee Opoku Prempeh wrote on his Facebook page:
"Today happens to be the birthday of Baffuor Osei Akoto. Founder and leader of the National Liberation Movement (NLM). He was also a chief linguist of the Asantehene. Baffour Akoto led the charge for the unification of the parties that formed the United Party (UP) which happens to be the roots of the current New Patriotic Party (NPP). The picture below tells a long story short. It is very sad this unsung hero hasn’t been celebrated enough by the NPP.
May his soul continue to rest in peace"
The Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso Constituency and immediate past Executive Director of the Ghana Accreditation Board, Hon. Dr Kingsley Nyarko also eulogized the Late Senior Linguist
"Baffour Akoto was a hero who deserves the best recognition in our politics, especially by the NPP. We cannot and should not bury the name of this great personality in our politics because, but for him, the NPP tradition and her success story couldn’t be told"
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