An inaugural lecture series to honour the memory and legacy of former Head of State, General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, is set to take place on November 25, 2025, at the ISSER Conference Hall, University of Ghana, Legon.
To be organised under the auspices of the Kutu Acheampong Foundation (KAF), the lecture series seeks to spark a nuanced discussion on Ghana’s history and the role of its leaders. It also aims to provide a platform for scholars, policymakers, and the general public to engage with the country’s past and explore its implications for the future.
Theme
This year’s lecture will be on the theme: “Legacy, Leadership & National Development: Rethinking Ghana’s Journey Through the Vision of General I. K. Acheampong”
The inaugural lecture will be delivered by the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area and the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia V. Nana Nketsia V, a scholar, will be speaking on the topic: “Abrewa and Ancestors Will Absolve Me”: A reflection on General I. K. Acheampong from Public Memory and Ghana’s Leadership Historiography.
Rationale
Explaining the rationale for the lecture series, the Director of the KAF, Anthony Kutu Acheampong, said it provided an opportunity to re-evaluate the life and achievements of a man who helped in no mean measure to shape Ghana’s contemporary history.
He said the fact that General Acheampong was largely forgotten in Ghana’s history is a testament to the country’s tumultuous past and the selective nature of historical memory. “The time has come to unearth and re-evaluate the contributions of this complex figure, acknowledging both his achievements and limitations.
“By examining the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of the present and build a more informed future.
“As we commemorate this milestone, Ghanaians from all walks of life are invited to engage in a thoughtful reflection on their history and the leaders who shaped it,” Mr Kutu Acheampong stated.
The man, the legacy
General Kutu Acheampong, then a young Army Colonel, became Ghana’s military Head of State from January 13, 1972, to July 5, 1978, when he was deposed in a palace coup.
He was executed by firing squad on June 16, 1979.
He played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s contemporary history, with his six-year tenure as Head of State marked by bold initiatives that transformed Ghana’s economy and infrastructure.
Landmark projects such as the Kpong Dam, the Tema Motorway extension, the SSNIT residential flats, the Dansoman Estates and the development of the country’s telecommunications network all bear testament to his vision.
Also, his self-reliance policy, “Operation Feed Yourself,” aimed to boost agricultural production and reduce dependence on foreign aid, and was a very popular initiative.
Source: Daily Graphic