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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s statement about the origin of Tetteh Quarshie, the man who first introduced cocoa to Ghana, has been refuted by the Ga-Dangme Council.
According to the council, historical records confirm Tetteh Quarshie’s origin as Osu in the Greater Accra Region.
During the 67th Independence Parade held in the Eastern regional capital, Koforidua, Wednesday, President Akufo-Addo, while underscoring the industrious sons of the region towards the building of the nation said Tetteh Quarshie hailed from Mampong Akuapem in the Eastern region.
However, the Ga-Dangme Council, in a statement released by the President, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, said the President’s assertion is not factual.
The Council further noted that the notion that the late Quarshie hailed from Mampong lacks concrete evidence and contradicts the established historical narrative.
“Tetteh Quarshie’s roots in Osu are well-documented, with many sources confirming his ties to the community except that some, sometimes, link it to the Teshie. In both scenarios, however, he remains of a pure Ga extraction,” it added.
“It is crucial to correct this misinformation and set the records straight regarding the origins of Tetteh Quarshie. By spreading this inaccurate information, we risk distorting our understanding of history and undermining the legacy of individuals who have made significant contributions to our society. It is essential to rely on factual evidence and historical sources to ensure the accuracy of our narratives,” the statement noted.
It also said “As citizens, we must be vigilant in verifying information and resisting the spread of inaccurate narratives. Let us honour the memory of Tetteh Quarshie by accurately acknowledging his contributions and celebrating his remarkable achievements.”
The GaDangme Council concluded that the speech writers of the President will take steps to correct what they described as “clearly a misinformation.”
Below is the full statement issued by the Ga-Dangme Council:
To All Media Houses
DEBUNKING THE DISINFORMATION ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF TETTEH QUARSHIE;
In his 67th Independence Anniversary Speech at Koforidua in the Eastern Region, our President made an unfortunate statement claiming that Tetteh Quarshie, a prominent figure in the history of Ghana, hailed from Mampong in the Eastern Region rather than Osu. This assertion has sparked controversy and confusion among many citizens particularly GaDangmes.
Firstly it is essential to provide a brief background on Tetteh Quarshie and his significance in Ghanaian history. Tetteh Quarshie is widely recognized as the pioneer of cocoa farming in Ghana. He is credited with introducing cocoa beans to Ghana in the late 19th century, which led to the establishment of the cocoa industry in the country. Tetteh Quarshie’s contributions have had a lasting impact on the economy and development of Ghana.
Furthermore, the claim that Tetteh Quarshie hailed from Mampong lacks concrete evidence and is inconsistent with the established historical narrative.
While Mampong has its own historical significance, there is no credible information to support the assertion that Tetteh Quarshie was a native of that town.
It is crucial to correct this misinformation and set the record straight regarding the origins of Tetteh Quarshie. By spreading this inaccurate information, we risk distorting our understanding of history and undermining the legacy of individuals who have made significant contributions to our society. It is essential to rely on factual evidence and historical sources to ensure the accuracy of our narratives.
In conclusion, the claim that Tetteh Quarshie hailed from Mampong lacks historical veracity and validity. Tetteh Quarshie was born and raised in Osu, and his legacy as the pioneer of cocoa farming in Ghana remains undisputed.
As citizens, we must be vigilant in verifying information and resisting the spread of inaccurate narratives.
Let us honour the memory of Tetteh Quarshie by accurately acknowledging his contributions and celebrating his remarkable achievements.
We hope that the speech writers of the President will take steps to correct what is clearly a misinformation.
Sgd
Hon J.Ayikoi Otoo
President
GaDangme Council
