Journey to Independence and After (Dr. J. B. Danquah's Letters) Vol. III 1952 – 1957

Abstract

This Book is a collection of some of the letters written by the late DOCTOR JOSEPH BOAKYE DANQUAH during the ten years (1947 - 1957) of the relentless struggle for independence from Britain, and during the remaining years of his life. They cover almost every topic, and provide a running commentary on political events during this important decade of our history. Frankly, if r were to obtain all the letters he wrote during this period, this book might have been more than six times its size. Dr. Danquah had many sides known to the public. He was a selfless politician, a philosopher, a poet, a statesman, a dramatist, a jurist, a constitutionalist and a journalist. One of the least known sides of him was that he was a most interesting writer of letters, and r thought r should compile some of his letters to bring to light this important side of this wonderful man. His pen and typewriter never rested as his 'nature impelled him to immediate action, whenever he found that those entrusted with the authority to govern the nation were abusing their powers', to quote Mr. William Ofori Atta. Dr. Danquah had time for all those who visited him or wrote to him even about their own personal matters. though he was alWaYs busy about matters of state, and his profession. He saw everybody who called on him, and replied to almost every letter he received. All this shows that he led a full life· to the end, and did not seem to have had any leisure hours to speak of. Even in prison he did not live a life of idleness, and he was still writing profusely, although handicapped physically and without reference books.