GHANA@ 50; what does it mean to you?

In an answer to a question What is Ghana@50? the Ghana@50 Secretariat explains that on March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first country in Africa South Sahara to gain independence from colonial rule of which 2007, marks the 50 years of the independence.

The jubilee celebration which has its theme: ‘Championing African Excellence’ has three main objectives. They include:

v To celebrate and commemorate Ghana’s landmark achievements as the first country in Black Africa to attain independence from colonial rule;

v To reflect on the evolution, development, achievements and drawbacks of our country over the past fifty(50) years; and

v To look forward to the future, to our vision of excellence in all fields of endeavor in the next fifty (50) years toward, and to our centenary birthday as a nation.

Much as the above exposition is recommendable, as a complementary, the writer of this article prays for the upholdment of the successes we, Ghanaians, can boast of despite the numerous mishaps that bedeviled our ways by reflecting deeply, the fact that where we are now is because of our ‘Attitude’ and where we want to get to also depends highly on it.

Basically, age fifty (50) depicts ‘wisdom’ which according to Webster’s Newworld Pocket Dictionary, 3rd Ed, means 1. a being wise; good judgment 2. Knowledge. It also defines ‘Attitude’ to mean 1.bodily posture 2.way of looking at things, or manner (habit, ways of behaving). A survey proves that the only word which when converted into cardinal numbers and added is equivalent to 100% is: ‘Attitude’ hence, Ghana cannot attain more future prospects if her citizenry lack good attitude in all dimensions of life. It is a fact ‘success without attitude is luck but success with attitude is an achievement’. Mother Ghana in fact aspires achievement and nothing else, but its materialization depends on our attitude (the suitable posture). Of a truth, it is said that ‘anointing will take you to the highest level, but it takes character (moral strength) to remain there’. Notwithstanding the few achievements in some sectors of our economy that we can be proud of, whether we will even remain there, left alone matching forward for more success stories depends on our attitude.

It is the submission of the writer that Ghanaians should not only fancy this jubilee celebration as a time of rejoicing, but much more importantly, reflect on how their personal attitude is hindering the progress of our motherland, hence, the need to change positively for a better projection into the future. It must be understood that, success is not accidental. Success is made just like failure. It is not a destination, it is a journey. We grow in success.

Professor Francis K.A Allotey in his acceptance speech at the 2006 Blacks/Heroes Award had a personal advice for the youth and to Ghanaians in general:

“I have lived my life according to this; for you to succeed in life means handwork, sacrifice, focus and disciplined lifestyle. You must be prepared to serve the society in which you live in and have a good interpersonal skill. In your daily life, you should be consistent and dependable and care for others. Do not trust luck. Know what you want, and work consistently towards its achievement”.

It is worth pointing out that the advice came from no mean person than the man who formulated the technique used to determine matter in the outer space. Indeed, he is a hero in our generation who has attained success not only for himself, but also for his generation and those to come. It is jointly submitted that this advice should be soberly reflected upon to harness the little resources at our disposal for a better Ghana tomorrow.

To be worthy citizens of our country, certain principle like: proper human relationships; self-independence; service to the community; observance of certain standards of conduct and behavior must be observed. Besides, this Golden Celebration reminds us to observe the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. G h a n a i a n s, let us cross the Rubicon in the cardinal virtues such as: prudence, temperance, justice, fortitude or faith, hope and charity which will go a long way to enhance our development.

Malaysia, a twin sister of Ghana in terms of age, is to be fair enough, far advanced than Ghana because of the above traits. It should not be forgotten that, discipline and national development go hand-in-hand.

Arise and shine at wherever you find yourself in the bosom of mother Ghana. It is submitted:

“The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked with the positive attitude of Ghanaians in all fields of endeavor”.

Long live Ghana, long live Africa.

OBENG MENSAH RICHARD FACULTY OF LAW, KNUST.



Views expressed by the author(s) do not necessarily reflect those of GhanaHomePage.