Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was buried at his home town of Nkroful, 240 miles (384 kms) southwest of Accra on Sunday 9thJuly,1972.

The body of the ex-President, who led Ghana to independence in 1957, laid in state for 10 hours in Accra on ‘saturday. Dr. Nkrumah died in a clinic in Bucharest, Rumania on 27thApril,1972 after six years in exile in Guinea where he served as a Co-President following his overthrow in a military coup in February of 1966.

The return of his body to Ghana followed protracted negotiations between Ghana’s present military rulers and the Guinean government of President Sekou Toure.

On the burial day,traditional leaders carried out traditional rites when Dr. Nkrumah’s mortal remains arrived in Nkroful on Sunday(9thJuly,1972). His body laid in state for three hours before the burial service.

General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong(Ghana’s Head of State from 1972 to 1975.

An eulogy read on behalf of head-of-state then, Colonel Ignatius Acheampong, said the former President had “waged a relentless war against colonialism and racism.” Colonel Acheampong said it was a matter of great satisfaction and relief to Ghana that Dr. Nkrumah’s remains had been returned home for burial. The eulogy continued, “Today we mourn the loss of a great leader whose place in history is well-assured. We join world leaders in paying tribute to this worthy son of Africa.”

Burial of Dr.Kwame Nkrumah at Nkroful

Credit:Reuters News Archives