Symbolizing the People's Republic of China's eagerness to win new friends in Africa, Mao Tse-Tung (right) extends the hand of friendship to Ghana's President Kwame Nkrumah at a July 28, 1962 meeting in Hangchow, China.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
March 05, 2010
Accra, March 5, GNA - President Hu Jintao has on behalf of the Government and People of the People's Republic of China extended warm congratulations and best wishes to the President, Government and People of Ghana on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of their independence.
President Hu in a release from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Accra on Friday said, over the years Ghana has made remarkable achievements in various fields in pursuit of her national development agenda; enjoyed political stability; sustainable economic development for many years and played a positive role in safeguarding peace in Africa.
He commended Ghana for properly addressing the challenges of the international financial crisis last year and achieving positive results in stabilizing the economy, maintaining social stability and improving the livelihood of the people.
It said China cherished its traditional friendship with Ghana, which "is currently in good momentum", adding that this year also marked the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, and "China is willing, in joint effort with Ghana to vigorously put new impetus to the China-Ghana friendship".
The Independence of Ghana Is Still Meaningless Unless...
On the eve of independence, some 53 years ago, Dr. Nkrumah made one of the most inspirational speeches known in African and World politics. The speech is usually remembered for ‘the often referred to’ statement, “the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up to the total liberation of Africa”.
This statement was true and relevant at the time it was made and is even more relevant in modern times albeit in a different context. Nkrumah had a blueprint for a united Africa and took steps to ensure that the foregoing statement became a reality.
Although some of the steps he took towards achieving a united Africa were criticised, the man went to the extent of getting married to a non Ghanaian to demonstrate his commitment to this cause. I strongly believe when Nkrumah made that statement he was referring to the political and economic independence of Africa.
All African countries are now rid of their respective colonial masters with Africans controlling and governing the affairs of African countries. This was only a step in Nkrumah’s blueprint. The man wanted more than that.
Political instability continues to trouble African countries. And it is understandable why that is so (at least in some cases). Tribalism plays a critical and very sensitive role in African politics. There are all sorts of power sharing agreements across the continent for various reasons. I am sure this was not the political independence Nkrumah visualised.
However, all has not been lost. Some African countries have been able to build a political system that actually works. Botswana is a very good example but Ghana is a better example. Of course it is. If it was not, Obama would not have visited and praised Ghana’s good governance.
However, I am almost certain Nkrumah’s vision will not be realised any time soon because many African countries – if not all – are not economically independent. We depend on foreign aid and loans from developed countries and international financial institutions.
More often than not, we are not in a position to negotiate the terms of these loan agreements and sign these agreements with absolute disregard for the long term effects on our development. Ghana is no exception.
In the past year, I have come across many ambitious young men who have expressed an interest in running for the office of president of Ghana. First of all, it is a good thing to know the youth is interested in the politics of their country.
Secondly, it is an even better thing to know they all have development of the Ghana as an agenda. As I spoke with these ambitious young men, I realised they all had brilliant policies and ideas; that when implemented accordingly, will definitely move the country forward economically and politically.
My only problem with the policies and ideas these ambitious young men spoke of was that the policies and ideas were only with concerned the development of Ghana. This brings me back to the title of this short note – the independence of Ghana is still meaningless unless... Personally, I do not think a united Africa can be achieved. The continent is too large to make that a reality.
Nonetheless, a strongly integrated region is not farfetched. If Ghana manages to become economically independent leaving its neighbours and fellow members of ECOWAS behind, a situation will be created whereby citizens of other ECOWAS countries will end up in Ghana seeking greener pastures. A burden will then be placed on the Ghanaian economy to the detriment of Ghanaians.
Moreover, if any of the ECOWAS countries encounter severe political instability; their citizens will seek refuge in a politically stable Ghana – again, placing a burden on the Ghanaian economy.
I am not saying we should focus on integrating the region and concentrate less on our own development. Instead, the development of the region should be incidental to the development of Ghana. After all, we have nothing to lose if that happens. A strong regional body – similar to the EU – puts both the region and countries within the region at par when negotiating trade agreements and economic policies with the rest of the world.
The concerns of the members of the region and the region as a whole will not only be heard but also taken into account. So on this 53rd Independence Day of Ghana, I reiterate Dr. Nkrumah’s statement with a slight modification – “the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up to the total economic liberation of West Africa”.
Happy Independence!!!
Written and Edited by:
Kow A. Essuman Esq.
LL.B. Hons (Westminster), PgDip (BPP), LL.M. (Cornell)
Barrister-at-Law (Lincoln's Inn)
Attorney and Counselor-at-Law (New York)
Parade of School Children Marks Independence Anniversary
Saturday, 06 March 2010 12:21
A parade of school children, made-up of basic and second cycle schools, and gymnastic display climaxed Ghana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary celebrations at the Independence Square in Accra today. The President and Commander of the Ghana Armed Forces, Professor John Evans Atta Mills reviewed the parade.
As early as 6:30am, the contingents and the security personnel started arriving at the parade grounds.
They were followed by the Service Commanders, Inspector General of Police, and the Chief of the Defence Staff. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament, Ministers of Parliament, Ministers of State and members of the Council of State.
Former President Kufuor, former Vice President Aliu Mahama, and their spouses, the chairman of the Council of State, Chief Justice and Speaker of Parliament followed in order.
After the arrival of the Vice President, Mr. John Mahama to the parade ground, the contingent 1,860 pupils and 65 teachers immaculately dressed and under the command of Mr. Frank Larnyo, marched briskly on the parade ground.
The arrival of President Mills’ Presidential convoy, led by the Police Mounted Squadron, smartly dressed in blue ceremonial uniform, at the parade ground was greeted with a Fanfare by the Police Band located at the Independence Arch.
The President took the national salute, which was followed by Christian and Muslim prayers offered by pupils from Calvary Methodist Junior High School and Khariya Islamic Schools all from Adabraka. The President, in the company of the Minister for Education, and the Parade Commander, inspected the contingents and lit the perpetual flame. He was assisted by Master Adu Poku, last year’s overall best student of the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination.
The Contingents then briefly marched off the parade ground to make way for the gymnastic group. The group, dressed in white and traditional wear, some of them carrying fruits performed different art forms to the admiration of the audience.
Their performance was followed by three traditional choreograph dances. They were the Kete dance, a traditional dance of the Akans performed during state functions, durbars and installations of chiefs which was performed by Ablekuma South Metro Schools.
The Labone Senior High School performed the Bamaya Dance, which is also a festive dance among the Dagombas and performed during state functions. The Adjewaa dance, a practically female dance is performed during weddings and child naming among Fantes and was performed by the O’Reilly Senior high school.
The Mass band, made up of the Boys Brigade, Great Lamptey Mills School, Providence, and Mary Mother of God Council, then took their place in front of the presidential dais and played the national anthem amidst 21 gun salute. The Ghana Air force Jets flew over the ground.
All the contingents led by their teachers then smartly marched past the Presidential dais, while Prof John Evan Atta Mills took the salute. The President’s welcomed address was heralded by drum appellation by Mater Victor Nii Amoo and Miss Mavis Nyarko.
President Mills then addressed the large audiences gathered at the parade grounds with his Government’s commitment not to renege on their pledge to give depth, verve, and modern day meaning to Ghana’s educational system which will create opportunities the youth.
He advised the youth to take advantage of the opportunities available, since there is no short cut to success.
Source: ISD (Elorm Ametepe)
Photo: Nana Kwesi Appiah
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