Minister Murtala Muhammed Challenges Ghana’s Political History Narrative

In a recent interview, Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed questioned the validity of the “Big Six” narrative in Ghana’s political history. He argued for a critical examination of events leading to independence, particularly the 1948 riots, and called for a more accurate representation of historical facts. Muhammed emphasized the need for intellectual respect and acknowledgment of historical accuracy in Ghana.

On March 12, 2025, during an interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show with Maltiti Sayida Sadick, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, expressed skepticism regarding the accuracy of Ghana’s political history as it is currently taught. He criticized what he termed as historical inaccuracies, specifically challenging the concept of the “Big Six,” stating emphatically that “there was nothing like the Big Six.”

Minister Muhammed articulated that several individuals later linked to the Big Six were not part of the initial events that contributed to Ghana’s independence. He underscored that the prevailing historical narrative is misleading, particularly concerning the 1948 riots and the arrests that followed.

He stated, “The interrogations and statements after the 1948 riots are facts. They clearly indicated that those accused were not responsible, yet Kwame Nkrumah, who was not even in Accra at the time, was arrested.” This assertion reflects his call for a more truthful representation of the nation’s history, encouraging Ghanaians to critically engage with their past.

Minister Muhammed advocated for an honest appraisal of Ghana’s historical evolution, urging citizens to appreciate the significant strides made over time. He remarked, “It is important for us to understand history and appreciate how far we have come. We must respect knowledge, research, and those who have contributed intellectually. But when it comes to the political history of this country, there has been enormous waste.”

In his interview, Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed challenged the traditional portrayal of Ghana’s political history, particularly the narrative surrounding the “Big Six.” He highlighted significant discrepancies in historical accounts and called for a critical reassessment of the country’s past. His remarks stress the importance of respecting accurate historical knowledge and the contributions of intellectuals in shaping a truthful narrative.

Original Source: www.gbcghanaonline.com