The Origin of the Name ‘Ghana’: A Debate on Historical Contributions

Alexander Afenyo-Markin claims Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah coined the name “Ghana” through research connecting its people to the ancient Ghana Empire. Danquah’s advocacy led the UGCC to adopt this name upon independence in 1957. However, historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong argue that the name existed prior to independence, challenging its attribution to Danquah.

The Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has asserted that the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, known as JB Danquah, is credited with coining the name “Ghana.” During an event on March 9, 2025, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Danquah’s passing, Afenyo-Markin explained that Danquah conducted extensive research on the ethnicities in the then Gold Coast, leading to his conclusion that the ancient Ghana Empire would serve as an apt name for the nation.

Afenyo-Markin highlighted that, prior to independence, Danquah dedicated considerable effort to this research. He traveled widely and spent significant time at institutions like the British Museum to study the historical roots of the various ethnic groups in the Gold Coast. Danquah’s investigations revealed a connection to the Ghana Empire, which he believed would foster national pride and identity through its adoption as the country’s title.

The MP, who is also the Minority Leader in Parliament, noted that members of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), including prominent leaders, agreed to replace the name “Gold Coast” with “Ghana” upon attaining independence. He stated, “The UGCC, formed in 1947, reached a consensus on this change that was ultimately accepted in 1957 when the country gained independence.”

However, some historians, such as Yaw Anokye Frimpong, have disputed Afenyo-Markin’s claims regarding Danquah’s role in naming the nation. In an interview with JoyNews on August 5, 2024, Frimpong stated that the name “Ghana” existed prior to independence, citing its use by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who founded the Ghana National College nearly a decade earlier.

Frimpong pointed out that Danquah had proposed the name “Akanman” for an independent Gold Coast. “Danquah lost his constituency seat and received an honorary title from his home state in 1955, but he did not regain prominence thereafter,” he said. Frimpong emphasized that historical evidence does not support the argument that Danquah was the originator of the name “Ghana,” given that Nkrumah had already established the college using that name nine years before independence.

The debate over the origins of the name “Ghana” highlights the complexities of historical narratives. Alexander Afenyo-Markin attributes its inception to Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah’s thorough research, while historians like Yaw Anokye Frimpong contest this by citing evidence that the name was used before independence. This discourse illustrates the multifaceted nature of Ghana’s identity and the significant contributions of its leaders.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com