“Our Founders’ Sacrifices Must Never Be in Vain” — Ing. Kwabena Agyepong Reflects on UGCC at 79

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary, Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has paid tribute to the pioneers of Ghana’s independence struggle.

He urged citizens to preserve the ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice that inspired the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) 79 years ago.

In a commemorative message marking the anniversary of the historic political movement, Ing. Agyepong said the sacrifices made by the UGCC founders must continue to inspire present and future generations to protect Ghana’s democratic gains.

He noted that on August 4, 1947, a group of courageous men and women took a bold stand against colonial rule, choosing to fight for a future beyond their own generation.

“Seventy-nine years ago, in 1947, a group of courageous men and women stood against the weight of colonial rule. They risked imprisonment, exile, and even death, yet they chose to act—not for themselves alone, but for generations yet unborn,” he stated.

According to him, the founders of the United Gold Coast Convention were driven by a vision to create a society founded on liberty, justice, and opportunity for all.

He recalled the UGCC’s pledge “to liberate the energies of the people for the growth of a property-owning democracy in this land, with the right to life, freedom, and justice,” describing the declaration as a timeless message that remains relevant to Ghana’s democratic journey.

Ing. Agyepong paid special tribute to George Alfred “Paa” Grant, a native of Axim, and other leading figures of the nationalist movement whose commitment and sacrifices contributed significantly to Ghana’s eventual independence in 1957.

He stressed that remembering the UGCC should go beyond historical celebration, insisting that the anniversary must serve as a call for renewed commitment to democratic principles and responsible citizenship.

“Today, as we celebrate these gallant patriots, led by Pa Grant, a native of Axim, we do more than honour their memory. We recommit ourselves to their vision. We remind ourselves that democracy is not a gift handed down but a responsibility carried forward,” he said.

The former Presidential Press Secretary said the spirit of 1947 continues to challenge Ghanaians to embrace courage, unity, and accountability, especially at a time when democracies around the world face increasing challenges.

“The spirit of 1947 calls us to courage. It calls us to unity. It calls us to accountability. At a time when nations across the world wrestle with division and doubt, Ghana must stand firm in the principles of liberty and justice that the UGCC proclaimed,” he added.

He urged citizens, particularly young Ghanaians, to learn from the commitment of the country’s early nationalists and work towards strengthening democracy, protecting individual rights, and promoting national development.

Ing. Agyepong further called for the anniversary to be treated as a moment of renewal rather than only a remembrance of the past.

“Let this anniversary be more than a commemoration. Let it be a renewal. Let it be a moment when we, too, pledge our honour—to defend democracy, to protect freedom, and to ensure that the sacrifices of our founders were not in vain,” he said.

He concluded by calling on Ghanaians to allow the legacy of the UGCC pioneers to guide the nation’s future.

“May the memory of Pa Grant inspire us. May the courage of the UGCC guide us. And may the promise of freedom endure for generations to come,” Ing. Agyepong stated.

He ended his message with a call for the continued protection of Ghana’s democratic values: “Long live freedom, democracy, and individual rights. Long live Ghana.”

Below is his full statement:

UGCC 79th Anniversary

Fellow citizens, distinguished patriots,

Seventy-nine years ago, in 1947, a group of courageous men and women stood against the weight of colonial rule. They risked imprisonment, exile, and even death, yet they chose to act—not for themselves alone, but for generations yet unborn.

The founders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) pledged “to liberate the energies of the people for the growth of a property-owning democracy in this land, with the right to life, freedom, and justice.” They offered their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honour so that Ghana might one day be free.

Today, as we celebrate these gallant patriots, led by Pa Grant, a native of Axim, we do more than honour their memory. We recommit ourselves to their vision. We remind ourselves that democracy is not a gift handed down but a responsibility carried forward.

The spirit of 1947 calls us to courage. It calls us to unity. It calls us to accountability. At a time when nations across the world wrestle with division and doubt, Ghana must stand firm in the principles of liberty and justice that the UGCC proclaimed.

Let this anniversary be more than a commemoration. Let it be a renewal. Let it be a moment when we, too, pledge our honour—to defend democracy, to protect freedom, and to ensure that the sacrifices of our founders were not in vain.

May the memory of Pa Grant inspire us. May the courage of the UGCC guide us. And may the promise of freedom endure for generations to come.

Long live freedom, democracy, and individual rights. Long live Ghana.

4th August, Adjiringanor, East Legon, Accra.

Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, OV, FGhIE, M.ASCE
Former Press Secretary to the President (2001–2006)
Former General Secretary, NPP