J.E. CASELY HAYFORD'S POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES
Casely Hayford believed fervently in fighting for the rights of the Africans from the colonialists. As a pan-Africanist, he understood the significance of Africans controlling the affairs of their lives without interference from the British. Through his books and commentaries, he criticized the external control of African land by the colonialists, especially the Crown Lands Bill of 1897, and the Forest Ordinance of 1911. Hayford's rigid stance and belief about African's emancipation also cut across his beliefs in the propagation of African traditions and cultures. For him, Africans would need to build their universities and design curriculums that fit into engaging African issues. He also proposed the deployment of African languages in teaching the students.
Casely Hayford served at different levels as a legislator. In 1912, he participated in Booker T. Washington ‘s International Conference on the Negro in 1912, and his encounter with Washington inspired the founding of the pan-African movement in both Africa and the United States. Discussing other political achievements of Hayford, Asante (2020) writes: "He represented the Congress in London in 1920, to demand constitutional reforms from the colonial secretary, and address the League of Nations Union. He was criticised for accepting inadequate concessions from the British. While promoting an African nationalism that demanded unity and cultural awareness among Africans, Hayford advocated only constitutional political reforms within the framework of British colonialism and the British empire. He became the first patron of theWest African Students’ Union in 1925, and was elected as municipal member for Sekondi in September 1927. "
Casely Hayford served at different levels as a legislator. In 1912, he participated in Booker T. Washington ‘s International Conference on the Negro in 1912, and his encounter with Washington inspired the founding of the pan-African movement in both Africa and the United States. Discussing other political achievements of Hayford, Asante (2020) writes: "He represented the Congress in London in 1920, to demand constitutional reforms from the colonial secretary, and address the League of Nations Union. He was criticised for accepting inadequate concessions from the British. While promoting an African nationalism that demanded unity and cultural awareness among Africans, Hayford advocated only constitutional political reforms within the framework of British colonialism and the British empire. He became the first patron of theWest African Students’ Union in 1925, and was elected as municipal member for Sekondi in September 1927. "
