Kufuor: "Let's not live on past memories"

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday urged Ghanaians not to live on past memories but contribute their worth to restore the country to its past glories.

"We shall not allow the Ghana story to be only what can be seen on old newsreel tapes, nor our sporting glories to be recounted only through the exploits of past heroes," he said.

President Kufuor was delivering his maiden independence speech to school children, members of the security services as well as a cross-section of the public at the Independence Square as part of Ghana's 44th independence anniversary celebrations.

As characteristic of such celebrations, there was a national parade of school children some civil organisations. For the first time, however, the security services joined in the parade to add colour and pomp.

President Kufuor repeated his government's resolve to make Ghana a united, happy and prosperous country while adopting policies that will make the nation economically self-reliant.

He urged the nation not to give up in the face of the present economic difficulties but regard them as challenges that must be met.

"The big economic difficulties that we face today might appear so enormous as to paralyse us with despair," he said.

"We can easily throw up our arms as we try to grapple with the concept of trillions of cedis as debts and argue over how many zeroes constitute a trillion. But we should think of our present desperate economic conditions not as obstacles but as challenges."

President Kufuor referred to the National Reconciliation Committee, which he proposed in his sessional address, saying Parliament would be involved in getting a national consensus so that its work is seen as a reconciling and healing act.

He expressed the hope that once set up, it would receive the support of all.

"We need to be reconciled for our land to be healed," he said, and gave hints of his intention to grant amnesties in due course, as part of the healing process.

President Kufuor said at 44, Ghana could still claim to be a young nation and, therefore, should take advantage of its youthful strength to fashion its identity and mould its aspirations.

He underscored the significance of Ghana's Independence Day and said it was great pity that with the passage of time, March 6 appeared to have been relegated in its importance on the political calendar.

Henceforth, the day will be restored to its proper place as the premier day for celebrations, he repeated.

"It should be the day that Ghanaians all over the world feel the need to stop and celebrate. We should fly our national flag with pride and tell the story of our nationhood."

President Kufuor said the role of parents and teachers is crucial because "they mould us, and influence our behaviour as adults."

He said it is, therefore, tragic that the teaching profession, which used to be such an honoured one, has been allowed to lose stature. The President restated his government's determination to restore teachers to their proper status.

"That is the only way the profession will attract and retain the best brains and well-behaved individuals, right from the primary to the tertiary level."

The education system needs to be put right to enable it to compete with the rest of the world and be able to meet the challenges of a fast changing technological market place.

President Kufuor said he was unhappy about the lack of maintenance culture in the society adding that it has led to the disintegration of infrastructure.

"The number of roads which once constructed, are never repaired; the number of houses, which once built, never get a coat of paint or walls which have been left to collapse simply because no one bothered to replace a block at the correct time."

President Kufuor said if Ghana should succeed, the nation must develop a culture of maintenance.

The same attitude should be adopted to protect the environment.

"We inherited at our birth, a beautiful land, blessed with thick forests, precious minerals and varied animals. We have the right to make use of these and other natural gifts to enhance the quality of our lives."

Among dignitaries present were Vice President Aliu Mahama, top government officials and veteran politicians. Conspicuously missing were former President Jerry Rawlings and Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, former Vice President.