Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a diplomatic visit to five countries. In the first leg of his trip, he arrived in Ghana, a nation in West Africa. During his visit, PM Modi toured the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in the capital city, Accra, where he paid tribute to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the founding president of Ghana. Dr. Nkrumah is often referred to as the ‘Mahatma Gandhi of Ghana,’ as it is believed he drew inspiration from Gandhi’s philosophy to lead Ghana to independence from British colonial rule. However, there is a striking irony in the fact that a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, a symbol of non-violence and peace, was once removed in Ghana, deemed ‘racially discriminatory.’
The Unveiling of Gandhi’s Statue: A Gesture of India-Ghana Friendship
In June 2016, former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee unveiled a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the University of Ghana in Accra. The statue was meant to symbolize the strong bond between India and Ghana, and to reflect Gandhi’s global influence as a proponent of peace and non-violence. However, just after the statue was unveiled, it quickly became embroiled in controversy.
The Controversy: “Gandhi Must Fall” Campaign
In September 2016, a group of professors, students, and intellectuals from the University of Ghana initiated a campaign called #GandhiMustFall. They launched an online petition on Change.org, criticizing Gandhi’s early writings in South Africa, which they argued contained racist views towards black Africans. The petition highlighted Gandhi’s derogatory remarks about Africans in his early days, calling for the removal of the statue and suggesting that schools should prioritize the heroes of Africa rather than Gandhi.
The petition stated, “We consider it a slap in the face, undermining our struggles for autonomy, recognition, and respect.” It further stated, “We must stand for our dignity, rather than bow to the desires of an emerging Eurasian superpower.”
The Statue’s Removal
Law student Nana Adoma Asare Adei, speaking to the BBC, emphasized, “Having Gandhi’s statue here means endorsing the ideals he represented. If he supported these (alleged racist) views, then I don’t think his statue should be on our campus.” After prolonged protests from students, the statue was ultimately removed in December 2018, marking a controversial chapter in Ghana’s engagement with its colonial past and its interpretation of historical figures.
This incident highlights the complex and evolving discourse surrounding historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, whose legacy is being re-examined in different parts of the world. While Gandhi is revered in India and globally as a symbol of peace and freedom, his earlier statements and actions, particularly during his time in South Africa, have led to reevaluation in some African nations, including Ghana.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit, and his tribute to Kwame Nkrumah, underscores the strong ties between India and Ghana, even as debates continue over the legacies of these towering figures from the past.
