By Rachel Quartey & Rukayatu Musah
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on Ghanaians to renew their commitment to the ideals of accountability, transparency, and good governance as the country commemorated the 44th anniversary of the 31st December Revolution.
Speaking at the commemoration in Ada, the Vice President stressed that the Revolution was anchored in values that remain essential to Ghana’s national development. She urged citizens to draw lessons from the past and apply them to present and future challenges.
“The people of Ga say wɔgbɛjɛkɛ,” she said, explaining that the expression “points us to a certain path in the past.” According to her, Ghana’s survival and progress as a nation have been made possible by enduring principles that must not be abandoned. “There is much we have survived, and we have survived that based on certain principles. And those principles still persist, and they are still valued,” she noted.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that accountability and openness must continue to guide leadership and citizenship, adding that the true strength of the nation lies in unity and moral courage. “The very important fact is holding ourselves together,” she said, “or saying no to the wrong things and forging ahead with the values that matter.”
She further highlighted care, respect, and selfless service as core values that should shape national life. “These are values that must guide us whether we are in public office, private enterprise, or engaging in everyday community interactions,” she stated.
For many years, the 31st of December was observed as a public holiday in Ghana, following the 1981 revolution led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings. Although the Supreme Court later declared the holiday unconstitutional in the 31st December Case, the NDC continues to commemorate the day as a reminder of its ideals and Ghana’s political history.
The 44th commemoration of the 31st December Revolution held at the Asafotufiam park at Ada, was marked by a flag-raising ceremony, the lighting of the perpetual flame, the laying of wreaths, a match past, and a durbar in honour of the ideals the revolution represents. The occasion serves as a reminder to members of the National Democratic Congress, the NDC, of the foundational principles upon which the Fourth Republic was built — probity, accountability, freedom, and justice.
The event brought together the leadership and members of the National Democratic Congress, including national executives, the Cadre Corps, traditional authorities, and party stalwarts, all joining in commemorating this defining moment in Ghana’s political history.
The theme for the 44th anniversary is “Consolidating the Reset Agenda: Reflections on the Gains of the 31st December Revolution.”
The commemoration served as both a reflection on Ghana’s journey and a renewed call to action, reinforcing the message that the spirit of the Revolution continues to inspire unity, responsible leadership, and national progress.
