Independence anniversary should unite Ghanaians-Nationalist

Kumasi, Jan 28, GNA- The permanent return of Mr Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General to the country which coincided with the country's 50th independence anniversary celebration is a blessing for unity and reconciliation of Ghanaians.

Nana Osei Bonsu, National President of the Ghana First Movement, a non-partisan nationalist movement in Kumasi, who made the observation, said the two major historical events should be used to promote the stability, unity, reconciliation and accelerated development of the country.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on Friday, Nana Osei Bonsu said the country's leadership should cease this opportunity to create healthy relationship and mutual respect among all the political parties to sustain the country's constitutional democracy.

The efforts to sustain the country's peace, security and socio-economic development, he said would be a mirage if the citizenry were not united and advised the political and concerned eminent statesmen to institute pragmatic measures to reconcile and unite the people.

Nana Osei Bonsu advocated for an urgent conference of the country's eminent citizens including accomplished statesmen, religious leaders and traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

He said together with Mr Kofi Annan they could draw a peace plan to unite the incumbent and former president of the nation before the climax of the independence anniversary celebration on March 6. He was optimistic that the conference if instituted, would be able to identify possible problems that militate against the smooth interaction of some important personalities and find lasting solutions to them. Nana Osei Bonsu advised Ghanaians to be imbued with the spirit of nationalism and patriotism to move the country forward.

"Ghana is rich and blessed with abundant human and natural resources, which if properly harnessed in unity, would immensely benefit the nation and the future generation", he said.

Nana Osei Bonsu congratulated Mr Kofi Annan for making Ghana and Africa proud in his successful achievements at the UN and hoped Ghanaians would emulate him.