NEWS COMMENTARY ON THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF GHANA’S ATTAINMENT OF REPUBLIC STATUS
As the country celebrates 60 years as a Republic, Ghanaians are reminded of the toil, hope and vision of the founding elders. They laid down three foundation stones namely the Coat of Arms, the National Anthem and National Pledge for the building and prosperity of the nation. These three foundation stones reflect Ghana’s vision and mission in achieving its goals and objectives as a nation with a common destiny. The Coat of Arms has the vision of freedom and justice. The National Anthem contains the national core values of humility, fearless, honesty and integrity that would move Ghanaians to carry out the mission of serving and developing our motherland Ghana with the untiring spirit of nationalism. The pledge commits Ghanaians to the national cause with sacrificial dedication. By these foundation stones, Ghanaians cannot forget the national agenda to plan the development of the nation. After 60 years, it looks like Ghanaians have lost focus. Most of the time, leaders are blamed forgetting that people must do their part for the country to stay on track. It is an undeniable fact that political leaders were at the forefront in the fight and victory for independence. However, we must not hasten to acknowledge that the prayers, efforts and discourses of the academic, traditional and religious leaders as well as people whose goodwill at the time did offer significant support to the attainment of Republican status from the rule of the colonial masters.
Reflecting and taking stock of where we took off as a nation and the journey towards our destiny leaves much to be desired. In Ghana today, governance is left to a few political leaders who determine the development direction of the country. It is not surprising that Ghanaian politicians have dominated and controlled the leadership, resources, and directions of public institutions such as education, health, businesses and agriculture. The Political leaders are now fighting to control academia and religious institutions to their advantage. There have been political interferences in the education, health and other sectors that have affected professionalism, competence, effectiveness and efficiency. As a Republic, we must be reminded that democracy came as a system to give the mandate of executive governance to one political party at a time to manage the affairs with collaborative efforts towards our vision. Any political party that is given the right to rule has the responsibility to direct governmental life and activities for the common good underpinned by the constitution. This right and responsibility to govern should not be taken as a privilege to dominate the lives of Ghanaians. The right given to a constitutionally elected party should go in tandem with the responsibility to uphold in high esteem our heritage and honour to offer mother Ghana with developments. Sooner than later the political parties will present their manifestos. What we need to note critically is that party manifestos have no place if they are not linked to the country’s vision. The vision of politicians must be re-directed to reflect the national one. This will help them govern with the people in mind. It is hoped politicians as well as all Ghanaians will contribute their quota to realize the vision of the nation.
Long live our Republic and may God bless our homeland Ghana.
BY: REV. FATHER JONAS RICHMOND ATARAH, CATHOLIC PRIEST OF NAVARONGO-BOLGATANGA DIOCESE.
