Parliament on Tuesday marked the 61st anniversary of the passing of Dr. Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah, as the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Hon. Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, delivered a commemorative statement highlighting the enduring national significance of the late nationalist, jurist and intellectual.
The statement, made pursuant to Order 92 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, honoured Dr. Danquah’s contributions to Ghana’s constitutional development, democratic thought and nationalist struggle, describing him as one of the foremost intellectual architects of the nation.
Dr. Danquah, who died on February 4, 1965, was remembered not only for his scholarly brilliance and political activism, but also for the enduring relevance of his ideas to Ghana’s constitutional and democratic life.
Hon. Agyemang noted that while numerous tributes have been paid to Dr. Danquah over the years, his statement sought to focus on a more compelling measure of his national stature — the recognition and respect accorded him by political opponents and institutions traditionally removed from partisan contestation.
He cited reflections by former Clerk of Parliament, Mr. K. B. Ayensu, who described a decline in parliamentary debate following Dr. Danquah’s exit from the House, as well as affirmations by professional bodies such as the Ghana Bar Association and the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, which have consistently acknowledged Dr. Danquah’s pivotal role in Ghana’s independence struggle and constitutional development.
The MP also referenced contemporary policy assessments, including a 2025 statement by Africa Leadership and Policy for Humanitarian Action (ALPHA), which described Dr. Danquah’s contribution to Africa’s democratic and constitutional evolution as indispensable.
Drawing extensively from the Parliamentary Hansard, Hon. Agyemang recalled bipartisan acknowledgements of Dr. Danquah’s legacy by Members of Parliament across the political divide. He cited remarks by Majority Leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Chief Whip Hon. Rockson-Nelson Etse Dafeamekpor, and former Minority Chief Whip Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, all of whom recognised Dr. Danquah’s legal brilliance, scholarly contributions and enduring influence on Ghana’s political history.
He further recalled tributes by former Ministers and parliamentary leaders, including Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim and Hon. Fritz Baffour, who credited Dr. Danquah with shaping Ghana’s national ethos, advocating for farmers, contributing to the establishment of the Cocoa Marketing Board, and playing a central role in the founding of the University of Ghana.
Hon. Agyemang also highlighted reflections by former Attorney-General Hon. Benjamin Kunbuor and Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who have previously cited Dr. Danquah’s detention under the Preventive Detention Act as a cautionary reminder against the abuse of state power and the erosion of civil liberties.
According to the Abuakwa South MP, the convergence of respect for Dr. Danquah from clerks of Parliament, professional bodies, academic institutions, policy think tanks and leaders of the National Democratic Congress demonstrates that his legacy transcends partisan politics.
He concluded that Dr. Danquah’s life and suffering serve as a permanent reminder of the need for constitutional vigilance, warning that the erosion of liberty often occurs quietly through practices that normalise excessive state restraint.
Hon. Agyemang expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the opportunity to deliver the statement, urging Parliament to honour Dr. Danquah not only through remembrance but through a renewed commitment to democratic principles and the protection of fundamental freedoms.