Saturday, July 02, 2016

President Mahama Marks Ghana’s 56th Republic Day With Senior Citizens
President John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday hosted Senior Citizens to a luncheon at the state banquet hall in Accra to mark Ghana’s 56 Republic Day.

President Mahama expressed his appreciation to the aged as the country celebrated “another year of our beloved Ghana as an independent republic”.

Ghana joined the global community of Nations 50yrs ago on the 1st of July when it achieved Republic status.

Supreme rule was transferred to the people of Ghana from the Queen of England.

Independence set out Ghana's intention to rule herself, and but this was only the first step to full statehood.

In June 1959, Prime Minister Nkrumah declared that Ghana would become a Republic. He worked with Governor- General Lord Listowel on measures required.

Finally, Ghana attained full sovereignty and an elected President and National Assembly took control at midnight July 1, 1960.

Republic Day instituted new civic the traditions in Ghana.

The National Assembly saw a new mace and Ghanaian cloth replaced wigs and robes. Local horns and linguists announced the President's inauguration on July 1960, as did Ghana’s new sword of State.

The Republic of Ghana also created her own national awards, to recognise excellence, dedication and selfless service to Ghana.

President Mahama said Republic Day stands as a celebration of citizens who have honoured their responsibilities to the nation and contributed to creating a strong Republic.

He saluted, the aged, who had the opportunity to witness the events on the day.

He also encouraged citizens to have a sense of nationalism to develop the country in unity.

A short documentary to show Government’s commitment to the aged, by the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection was screened.

Also there was cultural performance by the Legon Dance Ensemble.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Ghana has lauded the country for its achievements over the years.

In a message to commemorate the celebration of Republic Day on July 1, the embassy said: “It has been 56 years since Ghana became a republic. In all these years, Ghana has chalked many successes.”

The country has a longstanding bilateral relationship with the US in trade and economics, among others.

The embassy indicated that it was their hope “to achieve a lot more developmental progress in the coming years”.


GBC

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