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Renaming UG after JB Danquah may happen ‘one day’ – Akufo-Addo

The possible renaming of Ghana’s leading institution, the University of Ghana, has once again ignited diverse opinions following a suggestion from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that it may be considered in the future.

During the 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the University of Ghana, President Akufo-Addo introduced the thought-provoking idea. He hinted that, at some point in the future, the prestigious university could potentially be renamed

after Joseph Boakye (J.B.) Danquah, as a tribute to his unyielding determination and pivotal role in rallying the Ghanaian people to establish the university.

The president praised the extensive lobbying efforts led by J.B. Danquah, and he argued that renaming the institution after him would be entirely appropriate, especially in an environment that values historical accuracy and the preservation of records.

President Akufo-Addo stated, “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 conversation about renaming the university first began in 2021 when President Akufo-Addo proposed renaming the University for Development Studies (UDS) and several other institutions after the late President Jerry John Rawlings to honor his legacy.

This initial suggestion faced criticism, with some arguing that it was a potential precursor to renaming the nation’s premier university after the president’s uncle.