Political Myth-making, Nationalist Resistance and Populist Performance: Examining Kwame Nkrumah's Construction and Promotion of the African Dream

Nartey investigates the notion of political myth-making in Kwame Nkrumahs socio-political discourse, exploring the rhetorical resources deployed and the basic components of the Unite or Perish myth. The book focuses on three areas: investigating political myth-making as a social and discursive practice, unpacking the discursive manifestation, representation, features, and functions of political mythic themes, and proposing an integrated discourse analytical framework. It analyzes how Nkrumah deployed his discourse to construct heroes and villains, protagonists and antagonists, as part of an ideological mechanism aimed at galvanizing support for his lifelong African dream.

Format: Hardback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his groundbreaking work, "Political Myth-Making in the Age of Independence: The Case of Kwame Nkrumah," Nartey delves into the intricate realm of political myth-making, a topic that has received limited attention in the literature. Drawing upon the socio-political discourse of Kwame Nkrumah, a pioneering Pan-Africanist and the visionary leader of Ghana's independence, Nartey explores the construction of a myth that he refers to as the "Unite or Perish" myth. This myth posits that the formation of a "United States of Africa" is a prerequisite for the survival of Africa in the post-independence period. Through a meticulous examination of Nkrumah's rhetorical resources, Nartey categorizes and analyzes key tropes and metaphors employed in the myth's construction. He also outlines the fundamental components of this myth.

This book encompasses three distinct areas of exploration. Firstly, it delves into the practice of political myth-making as a social and discursive phenomenon, seeking to identify specific semiotic practices and linguistic patterns employed in the construction of mythic discourse. Secondly, it unpacks the discursive manifestations, representations, features, and functions of political mythic themes, providing a comprehensive analysis of their role in shaping public perception and political narratives. Lastly, the book proposes and implements an integrated discourse analytical framework to account for the complexities of mythic discourse and political narratives in general. By analyzing how Nkrumah deployed his discourse, Nartey demonstrates how he simultaneously constructed heroes and villains, protagonists and antagonists, as part of an ideological mechanism aimed at galvanizing support for and instigating action on the part of the masses towards his lifelong African dream.

Nartey's book departs from the traditional confines of critical discourse studies and focuses specifically on myth as a form of populist performance. It holds immense interest for postgraduate students and academics engaged in (critical) discourse studies, rhetorical discourse analysis, African and Diaspora studies, and African history. Additionally, it appeals to non-academics, including journalists, political commentators, and individuals who consider themselves engaged in the study of politics and society.

In conclusion, "Political Myth-Making in the Age of Independence: The Case of Kwame Nkrumah" is a seminal work that contributes significantly to our understanding of political myth-making and its role in shaping historical narratives. Through meticulous analysis and a comprehensive framework, Nartey provides a rich and insightful exploration of the construction of the "Unite or Perish" myth and its implications for African politics and society. This book is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the complexities of power, ideology, and the construction of historical myths.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032109169