Dudley Thompson and Kwame Nkrumah

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Dear Editor,

In the wake of his passing, many of us now know that Dudley Thompson rubbed shoulders with Pan-Africanist giants like Kwame Nkrumah, George Padmore, Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere et al. While we might also be well aware of his successful court defence of Kenyatta and his role in the founding of the Tanganyika African National Union in Tanzania, not many of us are aware of the nature of his relationship with Nkrumah, and by extension, Ghana. Pertinent material gleaned from archives in Accra, Washington DC and an interview with the man himself in March 2011 cast an interesting light on his relationship with Nkrumah.

In 1957, Thompson was involved at the highest levels in attempts to procure law officers for Ghana who could be of service to the country as Nkrumah tried to get laws drafted that would support his agenda for the newly independent nation. In contributing, Thompson was involved in clandestine communications about this issue with George Padmore who wrote to Thompson under the pseudonym of 'William Ansah' to ensure confidentiality in the matter. For his part, Thompson recommended several persons including himself for service in Ghana.

Thompson was on such terms with Nkrumah that allowed him to even express opposition to policies while still commanding Nkrumah's respect. In an interview with the author, Thompson related how he once reacted strongly to Nkrumah's attempt to exert control over the judiciary in Ghana. From Nairobi, where he was staying at the time, Thompson expressed his disapproval in a strongly worded letter to Nkrumah, noting at the end: "Osagyefo, (an appellation of Nkrumah meaning "saviour of the nation"). I hope I will never think of myself the way I think of you now." Even after this show of dissent, in the early 1960s upon hearing that Thompson was visiting in Ghana, Nkrumah sought him out and invited him to stay as a guest at the presidential abode. On Thompson's arrival there he was met by Nkrumah, who broke a long silence by saying, "You shouldn't have written me that letter you know." The fact that he was invited to stay with the president after challenging Nkrumah's control of the judiciary, coupled with the words Nkrumah chose to begin their conversation, clearly demonstrated his level of respect for Thompson.

The friendship and respect that existed between both men continued even after the overthrow and exile of Nkrumah in 1966. While Nkrumah was in Conakry, Guinea, Thompson made several overtures for him to take a break and spend some time in the Caribbean. In a letter dated April 14, 1966, Thompson offered to host Nkrumah as his private guest in Jamaica. Nkrumah's reply on May 11, 1966 declined the offer on the grounds that he was preparing for his return to Accra. Thompson reiterated the offer in June 1966 and Nkrumah thanked him but again declined. Thompson clung to the idea of hosting Nkrumah and repeated his proposal the next year on May 27, 1967, even volunteering to go to Accra incognito on business for Nkrumah if he so desired. There is no documentary evidence of this happening, and it is safe to say Nkrumah did not accept either.

In sum, Thompson's relationship with Nkrumah was a long one with contributions to Ghana through both the sourcing of suitable people to serve the judiciary during Nkrumah's tenure and criticism of aspects of Nkrumah's policy. The friendship and respect between these two men continued even after Nkrumah was ousted in 1966. While his Pan-African efforts and friendships on the east coast of Africa were more profound, Thompson contributed to Ghana in his own special way and was valued and respected as a friend by Nkrumah.

Clifford C Campbell

University of Ghana

Legon-Accra

Ghana

campcliff@yahoo.com

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Dudley Thompson and Kwame Nkrumah