Ghana’s 64th Independence Day Commemoration Amid A Pandemic
On Saturday, March 6, 2021, Ghana clocked 64. The West African nation was the first on the continent to attain independence from Western colonialism.
Unfortunately, due to the upsurge of the cruel novel Sars Cov-2 ailment, government of the day thought it prudent to eschew the annual weeklong activities use to earmark the celebration. The usual climax ritual, which is the March Pass Parade at the Blackstar Square by School going children and the Security services was also suspended as a measure to adhere to the social distancing protocol associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead, a short special ceremony was held at the forecourt of the seat of government, Jubilee House, which was graced by President Akufo-Addo, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia his Vice, some selected personnel of the Security services, some government officials and invited dignitaries.
Addressing the nation from Jubilee House virtually was the President, His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who used the occasion to appeal to the citizenry to work together in ensuring the country becomes self-sufficient.
According to him, the vision of a progressive and prosperous Ghana spearheaded by the nation’s forefathers must continue in each and everyone’s heart, as the nation symbolizes the hope of Africa.
In his own words; “We were the first nation in Colonial Africa to gain our independence from colonial power. The mood of citizens of the new state was one unrestrained excitement and jubilation because of the prospects of what the future held for us.”
● On the Recovery of The Nation from The Pandemic
The President proceeded and mentioned that “when the global pandemic of COVID-19 struck, it derailed our progress, and wreaked havoc on all aspects of natural life. Lives and livelihoods have been affected, the economy has suffered, government has had to cushion households and businesses from the effects of the virus. If any more evidence were needed of the impact of COVID-19, the fact that this, the 64th Independence Day Celebration, has had to be cancelled, and substituted with, essentially, a virtual celebration is one of them.’’
He further reiterated the need for all of us to work hard to ensure we play our part dutifully to see the reduction of coronavirus recorded cases in the country by going for the prevention vaccine jab when our turn comes.
“If we are to be successful in building a resilient Ghana, capable of withstanding, in future, external shocks, such as COVID-19, them we must all put our shoulders to the wheel.”
“Already, government has taken steps to revitalize and transform the economy, a process which is hinged on the One hundred-billion-cedi Ghana CARES “Obaatampa Programme”, the lynchpin of our drive towards the rapid industrial transformation of our economy, our main national priority,’’ he disclosed.
● Message to The Youth
On this occasion, as a youth, it is appropriate to take a sober reflection on the ongoing pandemic amid future uncertainties. Education, Health and other peculiar sectors of the economy are on its knees. School going children have been home for God knows how long. The working force have resorted to shift running. Indeed, these are not normal times.
And since the commencement of every decade comes with a new ailment, and we the future leaders must steadfast, be proactive and innovative to the latter in our field of endeavours to assist government quest in achieving greater pedestal.
Not forgetting to commend the nation’s Under-20 Soccer team, the Black Satellites for lifting CAF’s African Youth Cup of Nations tournament trophy this weekend after beating their Ugandan counterparts in the final match fixture. There wasn’t any other way to gift the nation a befitting present at this joyous moment. We say “Ayeeko” to these gallant young ones for adding the icing to the anniversary cake. For Almighty God and for Mother Ghana. Cheers!
Happy 64th Independence Anniversary!!!
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