The Journey to Independence

Summary

(Drums)

Narrator I: The Second World War with all its horrors is over. The green caps have returned home to feast on their fame with their loved ones.

Narrator II: Brave men who went to battle with songs and fell with their faces to the foe. The Victory at Myohaung—their enviable prize. Their conduct and their deeds are a pride and a source of inspiration to the sons and daughters of Ghana.

Narrator I: Some of them fell, but their bleeding feet are yet beautiful upon the mountains of honour, and the scars on their bodies are diademed with glory. We shall remember them.

Narrator II: Takoradi Harbour was the scene of great jubilation—Troops disembark and they march through the streets to their camps.

(Military March and Cheers)

Narrator I: The Gold Coast troops are discharged. They meet their loved ones after six or seven years’ absence. Resettlement Advice Centres are opened under Col. Whitcombe, popularly called by the veterans, ‘master and good friend’.

Narrator II: Work is found for hundreds of them in Government Service—Special concessions are made for ex-servicemen in government contracts, 25 per cent of the Iabour force must be ex-servicemen.

Narrator I: Scholarships are awarded to Lieutenant T. K. Impraim and Sergeant Arkhurst. Major Seth Anthony, de Graft Hayford and others are given senior appointments—

Narrator II: But for many their military life cannot easily fit in with their new surroundings.

(Storm Music)

Narrator I: The veterans come together to form Ex-Servicemen's Union to cater for their needs. The Gold Coast Legion becomes unpopular. Their representative in the Legislative Council, Mr. Robert Ben Smith, is greatly disturbed by the growing discontent among the veterans.

Narrator II: The Ex-Servicemen are now seething with discontent and an outlet is needed to give vent to their feelings.

Narrator I: Meanwhile the Burns Constitution, popularly described as out-moded at birth, is on trial.

Narrator II: 1947—the Birth of a new Political Party.

Narrator I: The United Gold Coast Convention is formed at Saltpond with the aim of Achieving Self-Government in the shortest possible time, with Mr. George Alfred Grant, popularly called Pa Grant, as National Chairman. Dr. J. B. Danquah, Messrs.