Mr Eric Opoku, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, on Wednesday called on Ghanaians to unite and fight against hatred, blackmail and vindictiveness prevailing in the country’s democratic dispensation.
He noted that greed, ethnicity, selfishness and animosity that had characterised Ghana’s fledgling democracy had been the major bane to the country’s growth and prosperity after 56 years of independence.
Mr Opoku made the call when addressing contingents of security personnel, students, pupils and the general public at a parade to mark the 56th anniversary celebration of Ghana’s Independence, at the Jubilee Park in Sunyani.
He had earlier inspected a guard of honour mounted by contingent of 175 security personnel made up of the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Prison Service, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and 1,626 students and pupils drawn from 60 schools in the Sunyani Municipality.
Mr Opoku explained that the 1992 Constitution allow individuals to join any political party of their choice, which should not create political enmity.
He said it was time Ghana built on her solid foundation laid by her forefathers, regardless of their political persuasions, ethnic backgrounds, religion and economic differences for accelerated national development.
“Let us revisit the commitment and enthusiasm with which the pioneers carried on this onerous duty, so that we can also leave indelible footprints in the annals of the country’s history”, Mr Opoku said.
He asked the students to be honest and respect the elderly and authority and desist from anti-social and criminal acts. Mr Opoku said also advised students to refrain from armed robbery, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity and alcoholism, which would ruin their lives, but rather learn hard to become responsible adults in future.
Sunyani Senior High School was adjudged the best in the march past, followed by Miracle Senior High School and Twene Amanfo Senior High and Technical School.
At the Junior High School level (JHS), Christ Academy JHS was adjudged the best followed by Miracle JHS and Rapid JHS.
At the basic school level, Miracle Primary was first followed by Ridge Experimental Primary and Ridge Model School.
The winning schools received certificates of participation and learning materials.
