UGCC at 79: Ing. Kwabena Agyepong Urges Ghanaians to Uphold Its Democratic Ideals

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary, Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, has called on Ghanaians to draw inspiration from the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the founders of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), urging citizens to recommit themselves to protecting democracy, freedom, and justice as the nation marks the 79th anniversary of the historic political movement.

In a statement to commemorate the anniversary of the UGCC, founded on August 4, 1947, Ing. Kwabena Agyepong described the birth of the Convention as a defining moment in Ghana’s journey to independence, noting that it was the first organised nationalist political movement to demand self-government and challenge colonial rule. The UGCC was founded at Saltpond under the leadership and financial support of George Alfred “Paa” Grant, with leading nationalists including J.B. Danquah, Edward Akufo-Addo, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, William Ofori-Atta, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, and later Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who served as the party’s General Secretary.

According to the former Presidential Press Secretary, the sacrifices of the UGCC pioneers laid the foundation for Ghana’s independence and constitutional democracy, stressing that their commitment to liberty and national development remains relevant nearly eight decades later.

“Seventy-nine years ago, 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.

He recalled the UGCC’s founding 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 it as a timeless vision that continues to resonate with Ghana’s democratic aspirations.

Paying special tribute to Paa Grant, whom he described as a patriotic son of the Western Region and one of the principal architects of Ghana’s liberation struggle, Ing. Agyepong said Ghanaians owe an enduring debt of gratitude to the nation’s founding fathers whose courage changed the course of history.

He emphasised that commemorating the UGCC should go beyond celebrating historical achievements and instead serve as an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to democratic governance, accountability, national unity, and the rule of law.

“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 uncertainty, Ghana must stand firm in the principles of liberty and justice that the UGCC proclaimed,” he said.

Ing. Agyepong further urged Ghanaians, particularly the younger generation, to embrace the ideals that inspired the country’s independence movement, arguing that democracy can only flourish when citizens actively defend constitutional governance and uphold individual rights.

He noted that the significance of 4 August extends beyond the founding of the UGCC, as the date has been recognised nationally to honour the collective contributions of Ghana’s founding fathers and the struggle that ultimately culminated in independence in 1957.

Concluding his message, the former NPP General Secretary called for a national renewal of patriotism and civic responsibility.

“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, protect freedom, and ensure that the sacrifices of our founders were not in vain.

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

He ended with the rallying call: “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