On the occasion of Ghana’s Founders’ Day, also known as Nkrumah Day, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang paid a courtesy visit to Reverend Christian Tsui Hesse, popularly known as Chris Hesse, the celebrated personal photographer of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Rev. Hesse, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most iconic cinematographers and filmmakers, is credited with preserving a priceless visual archive of the nation’s political leadership and development over several decades.
His work remains a rare and authentic record of Ghana’s history, particularly during the Nkrumah era.
The Vice President, accompanied by Mr. Goosie Tanoh and Mr. Alex Segbefia, expressed deep gratitude to Rev. Hesse for his lifelong dedication to documenting Ghana’s journey.
She noted that at a time when historical narratives are often contested or distorted, his work stands as a national treasure and a vital source of truth for future generations.
“I assured him of our commitment to safeguarding these archives and filling the gaps to ensure the next generation has access not only to data but also to the qualitative truths of our story,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said.
Reflecting on the significance of Founders’ Day, she emphasized that Ghana’s independence under Dr. Nkrumah was not only a national milestone but also a bold step in Africa’s wider liberation struggle.
She added that lessons from that era remain deeply relevant as the world navigates new global shifts.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further observed that Rev. Hesse’s contributions underscore the urgent need for Ghana to preserve its history, ensuring that national memory is neither lost nor rewritten by others.
She concluded by praying for his continued strength and good health, describing his legacy as “an extraordinary service to our nation.”
Source: myxyzonline.com/ Akora Kofi Darko
