FIFTH BOOK: “Ghana: The Autobiography of Kwame Nkrumah”
For our fifth book, we are reading “Ghana: The Autobiography of Kwame Nkrumah” by Kwame Nkrumah.
This book is a personal account by Kwame Nkrumah detailing his life and political philosophy. The book discusses Nkrumah's vision for African unity.
HCJUNCTION note:
We recommend watching this great interview with Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter and journalist Sandra Babu Boateng HERE on YouTube.
Below are pictures of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s presidential car that is located at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra, Ghana.
Photo credit: one of our bookclub members took and shared these pictures with the group.
WEEK ONE SUMMARY
[English version] Some of the Prompts and Questions Discussed in Ɛʋɛ - Ewe :
Is anyone familiar with the map at the beginning of the book or have knowledge about it?
Chapter one: on the first page of chapter one, what do you think about when he writes "time did not count in those peaceful communities."
Chapter one: how does he see his mother or what his relationship like with his mother?
What are Nkrumah's views about relationships, obligatory religions and money (see the end of chapter one)?
Chapter three: what is fueling Nkrumah to persevere with his trip to America even though he is homesick?
Chapter three to five: what did you think of Nkrumah's experiences in America and London? How did he change from when he first left ghana?
Is there anything you have read so far that you were surprised to learn about Nkrumah?
We also watched portions of this great interview with Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter and journalist Sandra Babu Boateng HERE on YouTube.
[English version] Highlights from the Group Discussion in Ɛʋɛ - Ewe:
Regarding the map at the front of the book:
The map is a bit difficult for us to decipher at first glance. We commented that it would be good to have an experienced professional like a cartographer tell us more. The boundaries do not seem like modern day Ghana so it would be nice to learn more.
Regarding Nkrumah’s statement on page one of chapter one: “"time did not count in those peaceful communities."
Many commented that this is so true.
One member commented that: Time seems to be a weight for many people. A constriction. When you are in flow and peace, time is not something you think about.
Many members that grew up in Ghana mentioned during those times they didn’t worry about time. There was no urgency or stress about time. It was just flow.
Another member commented that these are some of the unspoken (or not largely spoken about) impacts of colonialism that go unnoticed how the culture of time or the perspective of time was even colonized.
Regarding Nkrumah’s relationship with his mother:
Many members noted that he has high regard for his mother and that they have a very close relationship.
Many members noted that page 10 made them laugh when he was a young child and said to his father ‘me too i am married to her and must protect her’ that is why he has to sleep between them.
One member specifically noted that: He respects the mother, but he is not afraid of the mother. He puts her in very high regard. But there is no fear that he can easily go discuss things with her.
Regarding Nkrumah's views about relationships, obligatory religions and money:
In summary, the members noted that: he sees these things as something that can make a man forget his goals or lose his identity too or lose himself. He sees these things as limitations that can restrict you.
During the discussion, “love” came up, specifically the question of what does Nkrumah think about love or what is his concept of love: In response some members mentioned that from their perspective and growing up in Africa, that men and women did not understand love the way we understand it today. Marriage was just about children. So if you are not bearing children then that is cause for a marriage to end. Even parent child relationships, yes of course there is love but it is honestly more about the caretaking.
Regarding what is fueling Nkrumah to persevere with his trip to America even though he is homesick?
Some members noted that: He has a light in him that says something has to be done about colonialism and bringing true freedom to all my African people and I can at least try to do something about it.
Other members noted that: There is a zeal in him to save his people from the colonizers. And also the person he met who went to Lincoln university before, he thought this can help me too. And also, he enjoys studying and he also knows that enhancing his knowledge will aid him in his goals.
One member noted that: Also, perhaps he doesn’t even know what is really pushing him, because sometimes Destiny is pushing us even during hard times.
Regarding, what did you think of Nkrumah's experiences in America and London? How did he change from when he first left Ghana?
Members noted that:
It seems that he got what he wanted which was the experience.
It seems that he wanted to see for himself what life was like for the diaspora.
It seems that he wanted to meet with leaders of liberation in person.
It seems that he knew schooling abroad would give him a strong foundation to pursue his efforts when he came back to ghana.
There were some cultural surprises for him and some of which were probably influencing his thoughts on what is possible. What are good things he saw or learned abroad that he wants to bring back.
Some of the comments regarding “is there anything you have read so far that you were surprised to learn about Nkrumah?” include the following:
Not that I am surprised, but he is very witty and resilient.
I am inspired by how he just goes for things not knowing if he will have the money to finish it but just having faith that once he gets started, then the rest will come like starting university and the paper he published and really everything he did.
I was not expecting him to be so frank about everything.
It as though you are sitting down with Kwame Nkrumah and getting to know him the human being, the man that was once a boy, not just the legend.
I am surprised that it seems like there was never a doubt that he would accomplish his goal of effectuating change in Ghana and Africa. Even though he was constantly without money and facing challenges, he was at the same time organizing these conferences and communities.
And his foresight with the creation of the Shadow committee in chapter six and the weekend schools for political mass education of the country's independence and self-government is an example of a good leader and strategist.
He is great at not waiting for the circumstances to be ideal before he starts. He just starts.
Some of the members who grew up and were educated in Ghana, the coup had already happened and because of that coup they were taught and told so many bad things about Nkrumah, so the people were not educated on him. So, it is not until today that some of the members are truly learning the truth about him. Some members did not learn the truth about Nkrumah until they immigrated to the United States. Many members noted that many people who grew up in Ghana grew up not liking Nkrumah because of the lies that the coup leaders said.
Some did not know he was an only child of his mother.
Some did not know that his father seemed to be a kind humble person.
Some commented that this is one of the good things about the internet that it brings awareness and access to honest information.
Some also mentioned that the name of the airport is named after the coup leader and they want to write to the Ghana government that the airport name should be renamed to at least just Ghana International Airport. And we don’t have to wait for someone else to do it but we can try.
They say reading is acquiring knowledge and so it is important to go to the source to get a glimpse of who the individual is.
Unfortunately, the coup leader was an ewe.
Many mentioned that they hope they are teaching about Nkrumah in Ghana and across Africa. Like this book should be mandatory school reading.
Some of the discussion that arose from watching the interview of Nkrumah’s daughter (Samia Nkrumah), include the following:
There was some healthy debate about one party systems and would that work today.
Lastly, some of the items that arose regarding current events include the following:
Others mentioned how the coup leader in Burkina Faso, ex-president Compaore, that overthrew Sankara has recently apologized for his actions during that time. You can read a short article about this HERE on Le Monde.
Others also mentioned the UN speeches from the Ghana President, the leader of Barbados and also Colombia. You can find a link to those speeches at the bottom of this page HERE on our website.
Others also shared that there are more community discussions and awareness about the galamsey illegal mining activities in Ghana and what steps are being taken to put an end to it.
WEEK TWO AND THREE SUMMARY
[English version] Some of the Prompts and Questions Discussed in Ɛʋɛ - Ewe :
What did you think of his thoughts in chapter 7 when they came to arrest him and were driving him to prison?
What do you think about the founding of Ghana National College? were you familiar with the story or reason as to why it was founded? (see chapter 8)
What do you think about the creation of the Accra Evening News and why Nkrumah said it was important for the creation of this newspaper? (see chapter 8)
What do you think of this paragraph towards the end of chapter 9: "What with the strain of it all and the excitment, the singing of this hymn was as much as I felt I could take. I covered my eyes with my handkerchief, a gesture that was followed by many others present. The overwhelming support I had received from the masses had prompted me to act, and so I had struggled to the end of one battle only to be faced with the beginning of another. But this was the one that I had wanted so badly, the conflict which could only end with the fulfilment of my promise to my people, who had shown so readily their implicit trust in my leadership. The impact of all this made me feel suddenly humble and lonely and the tears that came were shed not from sorrow but from a deep sense of gladness and dedication. Standing before my supporters I pledged myself, my very life blood, if need be, to the cause of Ghana."
What do you think of how Nkrumah used his time while imprisoned in chapter 11?
What do you think about chapter 14. His full circle moment of coming back to America?
In chapter 8, Nkrumah created and launched a newspaper to make the people aware of the movement. One of the headlines or mottoes of the paper was: "we prefer self-government with danger to servitude in tranquility"(see chapter 8 on or around page 94). What do you think of this quote?
In chapter 11, while Nkrumah is in prison, he shares some reflections he had about when a prisoner was hanged. He writes:
"I used to reflect after these awful moments and I wondered whether prison punishment really did achieve their purpose in reforming the criminal, whether capital punishment was a solution to murder cases. Criminals, after all, are human beings. No man is born a criminal; society makes him so, and the only way to change things is to change the social conditions. It is only from the social standpoint that crime and punishment can be effectively approached. I have always been against the death penalty, even before I came so close to understanding what this meant during my prison life".
"The taboos of primitive society generally curb crime. The impact of Western culture on the African mind brought in its train as much bad as good. Offences like forgery, bribery and corruption, for instance, were practically unknown in our early society."
What do you think of this excerpt?
In chapter 12, as now part of the Legislative Assembly, Nkrumah gathered the Assemblymen and pronounced the following to the members:
"I also told them that it was important to remember at all times that, as members of the Legislative Assembly, we did not stand alone; as such we were leaders of the mass of the people outside the Assembly and at all times we must be conscious of this link and avoid isolating ourselves from the people. We must keep contact with those who gave birth to and nurtured the Party. This could be done by meetings and consultations with the people and by putting forward the needs of the people in the Assembly. As long as the Party preserved this link with the people, it had every chance of becoming invincible. Assemblymen should have foresight and be able to deal with matters effectively, but at the same time the policy of the Party should be explained to the people whenever a new situation arose."
"There should be no fraternization, I said, between Assemblymen and European officials except for strictly official relations; for what imperialists failed to achieve by strong-arm methods, they might hope to bring off with cocktail parties. I emphasized, however, that we were not fighting against race or color, but against a system. To prove that we had not led this struggle for any personal aggrandizement, we had agreed that none of our Party members in the Executive Council should go to live in the palatial ministerial bungalows that had been built for the purpose."
"Moreover, I continued, until such time as full self-government had been attained, I was strongly of the opinion that all Party members of the Assembly, as well as Ministers, should surrender their salaries to the Party and draw instead agreed remuneration from Party funds. This would prevent careerism and induce those in high office to live simply and modestly and so maintain contact with the common people."
What do you think of these excerpts?
What comes to mind with the reality that Ghana has been independent for just a little over 68 years? Not even a person's lifetime.
What other perspectives do you want to share from reading chapters 7 through chapter 18?
[English version] Highlights from the Group Discussion in Ɛʋɛ - Ewe:
Regarding chapter 7 when they came to arrest him and were driving him to prison:
One member noted that they smiled at his mental strength and at his soul strength during a moment like this. fear could have easily made him crumble. But he must be tuned into a higher power to have the calm response and thought that he did.
Some felt like his path were already destined or pre-ordained. He has already been established with what to do and has been equipped for the path already laid before him.
Regarding the creation of Ghana National College:
One member noted that this man is amazing. Not only is he trying to establish true freedom for africa and ghana but also made the time to set up the Ghana college as a remedy to those students who protested for his and the other member's freedom from imprisonment by the british and were expelled for it.
Another member noted that they love how he started the school too. People always think you need so much to get started but he was like let's just get started with as solid a foundation as we can. and guess what? the right teachers came along too who supported this mission. And in a year, it went from those handful of students to a coed college of over two hundred students.
Many were not aware of all these events that led to the creation of the college. They only knew of stories told to them long after the coup that Nkrumah believed in free education for those that could not afford it. So they appreciate learning the truth here and learning more about the history.
Others mentioned that Nkrumah knew that education was going to be vital to the future of the people. To the extent, he wanted to make it happen no matter what.
Others noted that whenever something needs to be done, he just does it. He doesn’t say oh someone should do something about this. He’s like ok let’s do this.
Regarding the creation of the Accra Evening News and why Nkrumah said it was important for the creation of this newspaper (see chapter 8):
One member noted: He is right, the people need to be aware. If you are trying to free the people then the people have to be a part of it.
Others noted that this was another example of getting started even when those around will not support it. When you have a vision, you have to go for it.
Some noted that the paper was very necessary. Because it is a conversation piece and sparks interests in others to want to learn more. Even those that cannot read. And it is stronger than word of mouth.
Others noted that his experience in America showed him the power of journalism.
Regarding the excerpts from Chapter 9 (see above):
One member noted that it feels like a moment where there was a big sigh of relief for him. Perhaps up until this point he has just been going on his vision and his spirit in the face of alot of disagreement and betrayal and yes support from the community but not so strong that it could carry him. It probably felt like for him the first time his world was starting to reflect his vision for ghana, The people taking ownership of their freedom and understanding his vision too and wanting the same. Maybe the first time he could exhale even though more work laid ahead, he still felt good that he no longer had to carry the burden of convincing the people of the vision. so now he can focus on the implementation wholeheartedly.
Some noted that this excerpt reminded them of hearing an Ewe song composed for Nkrumah when they were very little that included the lyrics that “Kwame will never die”. And they could easily envision the people singing with enthusiasm.
Some noted that this was a moving (emotionally) excerpt and were moved by his sentiments and the overall scene.
Some noted the humility he experienced by the mass support from the people brought him to a level of joy that brough tears of joy to his eyes.
Regarding opinions regarding how Nkrumah used his time while imprisoned again in chapter 11:
One member noted that you can tell his mission of liberation is in is soul. Even in the most darkest of places, his vision was still a light for him. And he even organized a committee with other prisoners while in prison. The light was strong in him, he could not stop even if he tried. And, he ran for a seat in the Legislative Assembly and won. His light was so bright that even the prison guards and wards cheered when he won. And passed back and forth the paperwork he needed to do during that time to run for that seat in the Assembly.
Some noted that even in these terrible circumstances, he did not fall into the mentality of victimhood and kept his mission at the forefront. Because to feel sorry for himself would be a distraction.
Others noted that this scene reminded them of the police brutality and injustice that happens in modern day society.
Others noted that his experiences abroad and with the diaspora freedom fighters he met abroad also prepared him for this.
Others noted that his experience showed that even in prison there is hope and possibility. Like how good it was that they never found his pencil. And that his inner strength was so strong to endure what he experienced and still keep his mission alive in his soul mind and heart.
Regarding chapter 14 and Nkrumah’s full circle moment of coming back to America:
The members noted that they were happy for him to be able to go back triumphant.
One member noted that wow even Nkrumah had a moment of imposter syndrome of doubting whether he was worthy of all the accolades he was receiving, even after all he went through and has accomplished pretty much alot on his own.
Some noted that they were surprised or rather amazed that even across the seas how many people knew about him and his work and his efforts in Africa.
Others noted this felt like this was already ordained for him. And it was beautiful to see.
Regarding the quote: "we prefer self-government with danger to servitude in tranquility". (see chapter 8 on or around page 94):
Some noted that it is better to suffer under your own self-control then being under someone else’s thumb.
Others noted that the errors you make for yourself are for yourself versus others making or enforcing errors on your behalf.
Others noted that people like to use the quote: “it is better the devil you know then the devil you don’t know” but this is often used as an excuse to stay in a bad situation instead of just going out there and trying to create something better for yourself.
Regarding the excerpts from chapter 11 and Nkrumah’s views on the prison system:
This made some readers think about Bryan Stevenson. An African American Lawyer and also the author of many books, including his well acclaimed book “Just Mercy”. And the way Nkrumah reflects on prison and criminals made them think of the same things that Bryan Stevenson shares in his books and interviews.
This excerpt also brought up the discussion that capital punishment is still legal in Ghana. And has not been repealed. Even though it has not been used in decades.
Regarding the excerpts from chapter 12 (see above):
Some noted how amazing this book is. And are so grateful that the truth of Nkrumah is shown here. And that the coup leaders did a good job at disseminating fake news about Nkrumah and telling lies about him. And some felt some sorrow at the betrayal he experienced and his final days. That what would Ghana look like if he was able to see his vision come into fruition.
Others noted that well this book is written by Nkrumah and this is his experience perhaps the other members of the big Six or other leaders at that time perhaps their autobiographies would say something different so we have to keep that in mind while also looking at the tangible evidence and impact that each individual’s plans and actions has had on the country and the entire continent.
Regarding the fact that Ghana has only been independent (as of 2025) for just a little over 68 years:
Some noted that it is so short compared to the U.S. who has been independent for hundreds of years and so many other countries and civilizations.
Some mentioned the quote that “history will reveal the truth” but when that history has been erased or twisted then that is unfortunate.
Others noted that with Nkrumah, Lumumba, Sankara and Gaddafi and many others that it appears to be a concerted effort to purposely thwart or eliminate efforts towards African sovereignty and economic independence and actually heal and thrive.
Others noted that the colonization of the African minds has been the worst effect of colonization that stands in the way of true liberation.
Regarding other thoughts and perspectives that arose while reading chapters 7 through 18:
Some noted that they truly enjoy his writing style.
Some noted that they like how he stayed positive during his solitude when he was imprisoned in chapter 7. And his appreciation for even the companionship of the mongoose that would visit him.
Some noted that they admire his honesty about his intent and his studies and his actions during his trial in chapter 7.
The excerpts of his speech from July 20, 1948 that he included from the informal opening ceremony of the Ghana National College Ceremony, was and is inspiring. In chapter 8 on or around page 91. it is a strong call to action but not just for their country's sake but every soul needs to have a purpose and his speech touches on this too.
The scene he recalls in chapter 9 of him amongst the people, you can feel the energy of that room in his words. And even when he said the room became silent after the cheering because they all knew they had taken on a task that was bigger than them. (see on or around page 105 in chapter 9).
Many noted the moment when he was released from prison and the people came strong and you can just feel and imagine that energy.
Many loved his astuteness around navigating professional relationships with the imperialists and not to be distracted by cocktail parties.
Many noted that they love that his mother was alive and well to see all his achievements. From the small boy she raised to the prime minister of ghana to the first president of independent ghana.
Some noted that this book is so enriching and that growing up in Ghana they were reading Shakespeare and all these Europeans and how they are only now reading literature of their own people. And this has sparked an interest to learn about our other leaders and ancestors. So this book is awakening a thirst to learn and read more and awaken more.
Others noted how truly ordained his path must have been because the night that he stayed at a friend’s place and had a dream about escaping death and that was the same night that they were supposed to arrest him but he just by happenstance went to a friend’s house and how they likely would have killed him that night.
Other discussion items that arose:
Some noted that at some of the major bookstores in Ghana that you cannot find a copy of this book. And these are bookstores that have other locations and even an online store. They did have some of his other books.
And others noted that if this was part of the curriculum at schools then the book would be widely available. So it goes to show that what is being taught even today.
And someone brought up the quote: “integrity is so valuable that you should not expect it from cheap people.”
Some noted that these discussions and discourse that we have in our book club group are the type of the discussions that should be happening across all universities and schools across Africa.
WEEK FOUR SUMMARY
[English version] Some of the Prompts and Questions Discussed in Ɛʋɛ - Ewe :
What do you think about chapter 20 and how easeful people felt to come to him about the simplest of things at any time of day? From worries about pregnancy to marital problems, etc.
Did you know cocoa came from the island of fernando po? (see chapter 20)
What do you think about chapter 23 and the All-Ewe Conference and how the Ewe territories was handled?
What do you think about all the events that led to independence and all the considerations that Nkrumah had to weigh along the way to independence and his approach to independence?
We also this unbiased video about Nkrumah’s tenure that shared perspectives from both sides of his leadership HERE on YouTube.
[English version] Highlights from the Group Discussion in Ɛʋɛ - Ewe:
Regarding chapter 20 and how easeful it was for the average citizen to connect with Nkrumah:
One member noted that the fact he presented himself as a true countrymen allowed for people to feel comfortable with him.
Others noted that he was simple and free with the people and that they can approach him about anything at all not just politics.
Some commented that it was also a little baffling about what level of security did he have. And others commented that it shows how much honesty and trust existed in those times but at the same time noted assassination attempts but those were not from the average countrymen.
Another member noted that this made them smile to see how connected to the people he was. It allows for him firsthand to really understand the impact of the policies he wants to put in place and was putting in place. But at the same time he needed a better system in place for his own wellbeing and so he could focus so perhaps if he could add these to his schedule in moderation or have a minister for this that he could do these things with so it did not take all his energy like that.
Regarding the origins of cocoa:
Some members noted that they did hear about Fernando Po when they were younger but they do not remember or know what the context was. So now reading this book is starting to refresh their memory. And, makes some members want to ask the elders in the community.
Other members noted that they were surprised. Some just assumed cocoa was indigenous to mainland Ghana.
So we are all interested in learning more about this island he mentions (island Fernando po) and the history of cocoa.
Apparently, the island Fernando po is an island off the coast of west Africa that the Portuguese colonizers named Fernando Po, who is apparently the first European to set eyes on the island. It is today called Bioko. It is an island of Equatorial Guinea. It is located close to the Cameroonian coast. The original name of this african island before it was colonized is said to be “Ëtulá a Ëri”.
Regarding the matter of the Ɛʋɛgbe territories during the efforts to achieve independence for the Gold Coast:
Some people noted that those who agreed to join the Gold Coast were smart and that was a smart decision because the Gold Coast was on the cusp of Independence.
It also shows the community organizing and governing and democracy already existed amongst the Ewe people. It was not that colonization brought these things. They were already organized if they were able to come together to voice what they wanted on behalf of the Ewe people in these territories.
Another member noted that if they understood the situation well, that it seemed like the Ewe peoples’ voice was kind of ignored because you have all these other nations weighing in on their territory.
And it just goes to show how terrible these country lines were created during colonization that created the lines for their own interests.
This also brought up the discussion of whether the Ewe territory could have been its own country. Because there are European countries smaller than the Ewe territory. And what would that have looked like at that time for the Ewes to pursue this.
Regarding all the events throughout the book that preceded independence for the Gold Coast:
Members noted that it was a lot. Everything for independence was a lot. He was able to achieve it because of his character. Because if it was someone easily agitated or doubtful then it would not work. Even his humility to include his opposition in the country as peaceful as possible. From the issues happening in the Ashanti region, to his own former colleagues that created challenges to the global pressure from other countries. And doing all of this as peaceful as he could.
It was not easy yet his steps and decisions were steady. When you are going for something so monumental you cannot be wobbly.
There were a lot of highs and lows. Yet he seemed to keep calm overall.
Others noted that you see how every little piece had to come together, even the right colonizers were put in his path that would be agreeable to his plan, and he had the right demeanor on how to interact with the colonizers to do it in such a confident and humble way and strong way too. He had a perfect balance of not letting hatred or anger or racism distract him from the bigger vision which allowed him to approach and work with the colonizers in a very democratic way.
SUMMARY OF OUR GATHERINGS ON THIS BOOK:
This Book was enlightening and provided very rich conversation and discussion and debate. It also revealed the realities of Ghana’s colonial and post-colonial history. It also showed the importance of books and education. Most members who were born and raised in Ghana discussed all the misinformation that had been spread about Nkrumah and how his impact was minimized. But it also showed that the truth cant be kept hidden. It also raised some questions in others that wanted to learn more about the perspectives of the opposition.
The final thoughts from the group on this book include:
One member noted that this book and Nkrumah’s life is the perfect example of really walking by faith. Even when things are not in place that you just have to take a step and trust that the rest will fall into place. We see this with his entire life from going to America, to his time in America, to his time in London, to his time in Ghana and getting the movement started, and on and on.
Also, one member noted that this quote from chapter 25 really brought it all together: "for perhaps the first time in my life I discovered that there was a vast difference in waiting for something that you hoped for and in waiting for something that was a certainty."
Another member noted that this book is also another example that when something is on your heart to just do it and not wait for others to say they agree with you or wait for someone else to do something when you see something bad. But that you just do what you can to make a difference and you never know how that will be amplified.
This book also showed the importance of reading and research to get to the truth.
Others noted also that this book showed what humility and trust can look like in a strong and healthy way.
Some noted that this book made them more curious to learn more about this time since this book was just from his perspective and are interested to learn more about other figures from this time and what were their perspectives on all these events leading to independence from the British.
We encourage you to review the videos and notes we shared each week and share any comments below.