A GNA feature by Benjamin Akoto, GNA
Sunyani, (Bono), March 14, GNA – The Ghana Month is observed in March every year to reflect and promote the nation’s history, culture and identity.
As the nation marks the annual event this year, conversations around patriotism must gain renewed attention in homes, workplaces and public institutions.
The observance of the Ghana Month also known as the Heritage Month coincides with the celebration of the nation’s Independence Anniversary.
And that offers citizens an opportunity to reflect on their role in building a stronger and more responsible society.
During these periods the spirit of patriotism is highlighted through symbolic acts like wearing and projecting the national colours of red, yellow and green, and the singing of the national anthem as well as showcasing the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.
However, many believed that the genuine love for the nation goes far beyond ceremonials and performances.
Patriotism beyond symbols
Miss Cynthia Anima Boadu, the Bono Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) explained that patriotism fundamentally involved a citizen’s love for and commitment to the wellbeing and progress of a nation.
That includes respect for national laws, protecting public property, paying taxes, safeguarding the environment, and rejecting corruption.
She said patriotism involved supporting national policies that advance holistic development and actively contributing to community development and national progress.
Ms Boadu observed that the spirit of patriotism ought to be extended to activities that facilitate accelerated national development for the wellbeing and benefit of citizenry.
Citizens’ perspective
For many citizens, patriotism ought to reflect in everyday life and conduct of the people.
Madam Lydia Tenkorang, a trader in Sunyani, explained that patriotism meant conducting business honestly and avoiding corrupt practices that undermined the economy.
“Often people think patriotism is only about talking proudly about Ghana. It isn’t only that but also doing the right thing at the right time when nobody is watching you”, she stated.
A commercial driver, Mr James Yamoah stressed that obeying traffic rules and regulations and respect for other road users “is also patriotic duty”, worrying about drivers recklessly, contributing to rise in road crashes in the country.
Actions undermining patriotism
Despite the widespread expressions of national pride, some behaviours continue contradicting the ideals of patriotism.
Ms Boadu said acts like corruption, tax evasion, vandalism of public property, environmental pollution and disregard for laws weakened the national development process, pointing out that political intolerance and misinformation threatened civic responsibility.
She said in an era dominated by social media, the spread of false information could deepen divisions and erode trust in national institutions.
For many citizens, those actions highlight a growing gap between professed patriotism and actual civic responsibility.
In fact, observing those practices undermine public trust in institutions and thereby weakens collective efforts toward accelerated national development.
Demands of responsible citizenship
Ms Boadu said that being a patriotic citizen required more than emotional attachment to the country, stressing that patriotism demanded accountability, participation in democratic processes, and a willingness to safeguard national resources.
She said patriotic citizens ought to engage constructively in governance by voting responsibly, holding public officials accountable, serving diligently in various capacities, and contributing ideas that promoted national progress.
Ms Boadu believes that cultivating patriotism ought to begin at an early stage through civic education in schools and community engagement initiatives.
Patriotism and national development
Ms Boadu noted that strong patriotism had often been linked to national progress, saying that societies where citizens demonstrated a high sense of civility tend to experience stronger institutions, better governance, and sustainable development outcomes.
In Ghana, she noted that collective commitment to national values could help address persistent challenges like corruption, unemployment, and public sector inefficiencies.
Way forward
As the nation reflects in the heritage month, the conversation on patriotism ought to be centered and continue to evolve in the daily activities of citizens.
While symbolic celebrations remain important, it’s evident that the nation’s future largely depends on how citizens translate patriotic ideals into everyday life.
Ultimately, building a prosperous nation requires not only visionary leadership, but also the citizenry who is willing to place national interest above personal gains.
Patriotism in that sense remains not merely a sentiment, but a shared responsibility for shaping Ghana’s future.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah