Ghana's First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, has urged Ghanaians to brighten the corner wherever they are in order to lift high the national flag.
"March 6 is special not just because it is the date of our independence but it announces the new beginning of a unique black race with a unique character". she said this in a statement read on her behalf by Nana Oye Lithur, Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister, at the first ever flag-rasing at Newark, New Jersey to mark Ghana's 59th anniversary celebrations.
"Ghana holds symbolism to the ideals of freedom, liberty and justice. Exactly 59 years ago, our forbears defied all odds to secure independence from colonial rule.Our chiefs and leaders had signed the Bond of 1844 on the 6th of March,1844, that ceded authority to the British to protect the then Gold Coast.
"The date, 6th March, 1957 as independence Day,was therefore a symbolic day. We struggled and wrested power and took back our nation from the United Kingdom 113 years later on 6th March, 1957", Mrs Mahama recalled from history.
Ghana's independence in 1957, the First Lady noted galvanized more than 30 African countries to gain independence within the next 30years.
This, she acknowledged gave meaning to the words of Dr.Kwame Nkumah that "Ghana was the new African who was ready to fight its own battles and demonstrate to the world that the black man was capable of self-reliance".
After 59 years of independence, she argued that "we have held high the black star. we have grown stronger and bolder in our ideals and values. we have strengthened and consolidated our democracy and upheld the rule of law. and our success story is evident for the world to see"
On this note,Mrs Mahama paid tribute to Ghana's heroes and heroines such as King Tackie Tawiah, Yaa Asantewaa, Otumfuo Osei Tutu I, Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey, J.B.Danquah, Kwame Nkrumah who" fought forces that stood against our values and , traditions, sayng that they demonstrated the strength of character that flows through the blood of the Ghanaian. Their acts tell the bravery and perseverance of the Ghanaian to fight for what is right and just. And this is who we are as a people."
Under President John Dramani Mahama, the First Lady maintained that Ghana is on a forward march to economic growth, prosperity and sustainable development, explaining that "We are on a path that leaves no one behind, we call it inclusive development".
In this direction, the First Lady said "Ghana is forging ahead as a society where dreams are possible and we are building an enabling environment that empowers every Ghanaian to realize his goals.We are transforming lives".
To buttress her point, she mentioned the crippling power crisis which the government has managed to solve, apart from efforts to address the economic challenges.This is through good governance and sound policies that have enabled Ghana to reap the impact of rapid development.
She mentioned various measures that had been taken by government to ensure sustainable development,reduced poverty, achieved Millennium Development Goal One ahead of the 2015 target date as well as attractive tourism facilities that have made the country one of the top tourism and investment destinations in the world.
The Deputy Mayor of Newark, Mr. Ugo Nwaokoro congratulated Ghanaians on the occasion of the anniversary and asked for continuous blessings for the country and its people.
"We want the diaspora not to forget who they are and where they come from,That is why we welcome cultural events like the independence anniversary of Ghana", he added.
A living witness to Ghana's Independence, Dr. A.Zachary Yamba,a retired distinguished educationist in Newark gave an interesting account of Ghana's independence, saying that it filled the entire Ghana and Africa with so much pride.
On the lessons learnt from it, the legend said the independence of Ghana challenged the black race to remain united always because in unity lies strength and the achievement of one's dreams.
At her turn, Ms Barbara King, on behalf of the Newark Africa Commission paid tribute to Ghana's founding fathers, particularly Kwame Nkrumah, as well as Steve Biko, Malcom X, Nelson Mandela and other Pan-African leaders who fought for the emancipation and freedom for Africa.
She urged the present generation to continue the good fight started by their elders,
Mid-way through the function, Nana Oye Lithur assisted by Mr. Nwaokoro raised the flag of Ghana in front of the Newark city hall . As part of the ceremony. there was a mini drama to depitch the declaration of Ghana's Independence by some children, aside a cultural dance.Present were Councillors of Newark, officials of the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations and the Ghanaian community in New Jersey.
PICTURE credit - R. Harry Reynolds
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