President Nana Akufo-Addo has charged Ghanaians to build on past glories in hope for a better future as Ghana marks 61 years of independence.
“On a day such as today, our thoughts invariably stray to the past, but we do not intend to live on past memories. To paraphrase Ephraim Amu in Yen araasaaseni, it is now our turn to build on those past glories,” the President said in his speech at the Black Star Square today [Tuesday].
President Akufo-Addo reminded of Ghana’s heralded status as the Black Star of Africa and said: “at its birth, great things were expected of this nation of ours, and even greater things were expected of those who would have the honour to be called Ghanaians.”
But he conceded that the country has largely underperformed despite charting the path for other oppressed nations on the continent to gain independence.
It is in this light that he urged citizens to rise above mediocrity and strive to ensure Ghana sees substantial progress in the future.
“Even though underachievement may have been a major part of our history thus far, it should no longer be part of our destiny. The only nation we are destined to become is the one we choose and decide to be. We do not have to accept someone’s definition of Africa or of Ghana. We must define and craft our own destiny,” President Akufo-Addo said.
‘A Ghana beyond aid’
The theme for Ghana’s 61st independence celebration is “Ghana Beyond Aid”, and President Akufo-Addo held that this mantra will be key to changing Ghana’s destiny for the better.
“Achieving our destiny requires a deliberate, qualitative change in all aspects of our lives; especially, in the structure of our economy, the nature of our infrastructure, the education of our young people and acquisition of skills and above all, in our attitudes and holding firm to the values that define us.
“The change in our fortunes will only happen when our economies improve. Since I became President, I have been advocating for a Ghana, indeed, an Africa Beyond Aid, and I am keen to have the support of all of us in this enterprise,” he stated.
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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
