By Hafsa Obeng/ Stephen Adofo, GNA
Accra, March 7, GNA – Residents of the Ga East Municipality have been urged to contribute actively to national development as Ghana marks its 69th Independence Anniversary.
The call was made during a parade organised by the Ga East Municipal Assembly as part of nationwide celebrations on the theme: “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”
Madam Elikplim Akurugu, Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya, who made the call, stressed the need for citizens to work together to promote unity and contribute positively to their communities.
She said Ghana’s independence was achieved through courage, determination and unity among the country’s forebears.
Madam Akurugu said the sacrifices of past leaders and citizens laid the foundation for the peace, unity and democracy the country enjoys today.
“As citizens, we must preserve these values and build on them for the continued development of the country,” she added.
She encouraged students to remain disciplined and focused on their education, noting that the future of Ghana depended largely on the dedication and hard work of the younger generation.
“Our young students represent the future leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals who will help build a stronger and more prosperous Ghana,” she said.
Mr Edmund Agbo, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ga East, said Ghana’s independence was achieved through the collective efforts and sacrifices of many groups in society, including political leaders, the youth, artisans, market women and ex-servicemen.
He said the historic moment symbolised not only freedom from colonial rule but also the responsibility of citizens to work together to build a strong and united nation.
Mr Agbo noted that although Ghana had made significant progress over the past 69 years, including democratic governance and contributions to global peacekeeping, the country continued to face several challenges.
These, he said, included illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, cybercrime, corruption, climate change and conflicts in some parts of the country.
“The freedom declared in 1957 was not only about self-assertion but also about collective action and shared responsibility,” he said.
Mr Agbo called on citizens to support government initiatives aimed at restoring economic stability and improving livelihoods, describing the theme for the celebration as timely.
He also highlighted efforts by the Assembly to improve security, sanitation, infrastructure, education, youth employment and agriculture within the municipality.
Mr Eric Sey, Municipal Director of Education, said the theme for this year’s celebration was a call for every Ghanaian to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He urged students to take their studies seriously and develop skills that would prepare them for the future.
“Prosperity begins with the choices we make every day. Students must read beyond their notes, develop digital skills and learn to solve problems rather than simply passing examinations,” he said.
Mr Sey also encouraged teachers to remain committed to their duties and serve as role models by instilling values such as honesty, discipline and hard work in students.
He called on parents and the public to support education by ensuring that children attended school regularly and by promoting integrity and respect for honest labour.
As part of the celebration, schoolchildren from various basic and senior high schools in the municipality participated in a colourful march-past, while security agencies displayed drills.
Ghana gained independence on March 6, 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to break free from colonial rule under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah.
The country has since produced globally respected leaders, including former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, whose achievements continue to inspire people around the world.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey