Tribute to Mr B. E. Dwira
In 1954, certain politicians in the then Gold Coast opposed the CPP government and political violence erupted, especially in Ashanti. This led many adherents of the CPP to flee from their home in Ashanti to the capital, Accra, where they were commonly known as refugees. Apart from damage to properties, many human lives were lost and thousands were maimed in the Ashanti region.
The CPP was facing total obliteration in the region. This however, was averted by the timely intervention by some CPP stalwarts led by late B. E. Dwira and staunchly supported by Alhaji Issifu Nyamekye, Mr S. K. Tandoh, Mr James Owusu, late Adamu Banda, Alhaji M. B. Sulemana, Payin Darbo, Late Kofi Badu, late Abenaa Nipaah, Madam Afua Nzimah, Late Kumawuhene Otu Acheampong, Mr Joe Mainoo, Mr Kwasi Prempeh, Deputy Minister during Dr Limann's regime, late Mensah-Bonsu and others.
After a hectic campaigning amidst fierce violence in the 1956 general elections, the CPP won eight out of twenty-one legislative Assembly seats. This no-mean feat then, was due to the personal direction of Late B. E. Dwira and his lieutenants, for the CPP.
Even though I was very young then, I actively took part in all the campaigning and have many "war" scars to show for it. The spirit of oneness and the determination to keep a unitary form of Government were of paramount importance to us in those days and we were ready to give everything to achieve this.
To back the political organization in Ashanti under his indefatigable leadership, late Mr B. E. Dwira founded the "Ashanti Sentinel", a newspaper staffed with astute Ghanaian journalists like His Excellency O. B. Amankwah, newly appointed Ambassador to China, Mr Kwame Gyawu Kyem and late Twumasi Ankrah. The motto of the Ashanti Sentinel was:- "We speak the truth without fear" Those were not easy times for CPP adherents in the region as many powerful chieftans in Ashanti, Akim Abuakwa and Northern Territories were deadly set against all that the CPP stood for.
Some of the positions late Dwira held were Regional Treasurer, Regional chairman and National Executive Member - all of CPP.
After political independence was attained, Late Dwira remained loyal, wise, affable, incorruptible and unselfish. The 1966 coup relieved him of his official duties and he went into private business. He is dead now, a forgotten man.
May the soul of this great patriot rest in eternal peace.
Kofi O
