Placing Nana Susubribi Krobea Asante in the Context of Ghana’s History and Development 1933 - 2014

Abstract

Biographical works are essential ingredients in historical writing and interpretation. They essentially interrogate how a person’s life reflects the larger process during the person’s lifetime. Biographies of many prominent Ghanaians such as Kwame Nkrumah, K.A. Busia, J.B. Danquah, Kwegyir Aggrey, among others have been given tremendous attention in academic circles in Ghana. Various aspects of the lives of these people who played significant roles in the country’s history and development have been the subject of studies. One other person, in this researcher’s view whose life is worthy of study and emulation by young people is Nana Susubribi Krobea Asante, the Omanhene of Asokore Traditional Area, known in private life as Dr. S.K.B. Asante, an experienced international legal luminary and arbitrator. He has also played a prominent role in Ghana’s socioeconomic and political development. Nana Susubribi Krobea Asante was born during the colonial period and had his elementary school education during the Second World War. His secondary school education coincided with the nationalists struggle for independence in Ghana and Africa. He received his first degree at Ghana’s independence and became a state attorney in the first Republic when Ghana attained Republican status in 1960. He also served under the Second Republic and General Acheampong’s National Redemption Council as Solicitor General and Deputy Attorney General respectively. He again played a critical role in Ghana’s transition to democratic governance in the early 1990s by chairing the Committee of Experts that formulated proposals for the drafting of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. This thesis therefore examines his life and career in the context of Ghana’s history and development. It seeks to write history from his life experiences as he lived it from 1933-2014. His academic achievements including publications on international and domestic law and his development efforts as the Omanhene of Asante Asokore, among others, as well as his personal reflections and views on issues of national development are also highlighted.