The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Hon. Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, has described Dr. Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah (JB Danquah) as an undisputed national icon whose legacy transcends partisan politics.
Ghana’s history, he said, cannot be written without acknowledging the contributions of the renowned nationalist, jurist, and intellectual.
“History itself has rendered its verdict. Dr. Danquah stands as an undisputed national figure whose legacy belongs to the entire Republic,” he stated.
Delivering a commemorative statement in Parliament to mark the 61st anniversary of Dr. J. B. Danquah’s passing, Dr. Agyemang said his statement focused on how Dr. Danquah has been honoured even by political opponents.
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“This intervention seeks to establish, beyond sentiment and beyond party, that Dr. Danquah stands as a national figure,” he said.
He noted that such bipartisan recognition is the strongest measure of true national stature.
Dr. Agyemang referenced historical records by former Clerk of Parliament, K. B. Ayensu, who lamented the decline in parliamentary standards after Danquah’s exit.
“After Danquah had left the parliamentary scene… many in the House privately wished for a return to ‘the Danquah days,’” Ayensu wrote.
He also cited the Ghana Bar Association, which in 2025 described Danquah’s role in Ghana’s independence struggle as “unparalleled.”
The MP further noted recognition from the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and pan-African think tank ALPHA, which affirmed Danquah’s influence on constitutional development and democratic governance.
Dr. Agyemang highlighted several statements from Members of Parliament across party lines, demonstrating broad respect for Danquah’s legacy.
He recalled remarks by Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who described Danquah as: “A towering figure of legal mind.”
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga was also quoted as saying: “You cannot write the history of this country without recognising the contribution of J. B. Danquah.”
Former Minority Chief Whip Kwame Governs Agbodza cautioned that Danquah’s detention under the Preventive Detention Act (PDA) should remind lawmakers of the dangers of oppressive legislation.
The Abuakwa South MP also highlighted Danquah’s role in establishing the University of Ghana, Africanising colonial institutions, and advancing Akan customary law.
Former Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu was quoted as describing Danquah’s contribution as: “Enormous and undeniable,” while Former Minister Fritz Baffour was also cited for saying: “He gave us the name of the nation. He gave us the purpose of the nation.”
Dr. Agyemang used the occasion to caution against threats to constitutional freedoms, referencing Danquah’s detention experience.
“The erosion of liberty rarely announces itself loudly. It often returns quietly through practices that normalise excessive restraint and prolonged detention,” he warned.
He urged Parliament to remain vigilant in protecting democratic rights.
Dr. Agyemang stressed that honouring Dr. Danquah must go beyond ceremonial remembrance. “To honour him is not merely to remember his past, but to ensure that the dark chapters he endured are never reopened,” he stated.