By Erica Apeatua Addo
Cyanide (W/R), March 07, GNA-Mr. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has urged stakeholders in the region to jointly protect their environment, particularly their forests and water bodies, from destructive activities like galamsey (illegal mining).
He stated that protecting these natural resources was essential to securing the long-term prosperity of their communities.
Speaking at the 69th independence celebration at Cyanide in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, Mr. Nelson said, Western Region continued to play a significant role in Ghana’s development through its natural resources, agricultural potential, and industrial activities.
Those opportunities, he explained, had to be managed responsibly so they translate into sustainable development and improved livelihoods for their people.
This year’s Independence Day celebration was observed under the theme: “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”
According to Mr. Nelson, the theme aligned with their national aspirations and reminded them that the work of nation-building required collective commitment and shared responsibility.
“Importantly, if after sixty-nine years of independence, we are still emphasisng the need to build prosperity and restore hope, then the ordinary Ghanaian must remain at the centre of this national effort—just as they were at the forefront of the struggle for independence” he stated
He emphasised that market women, farmers, fisher folks, traders, artisans, public servants, and young people of their nation had to continue to play their vital role in building the Ghana they all desired.
He noted that building prosperity and restoring hope demanded a collective effort and a renewed commitment to the values that sustained a healthy society. These values include integrity, discipline, hard work, respect for the rule of law, accountability, and love for country.
The Regional Minister said, “When citizens conduct their affairs with honesty, when public servants discharge their responsibilities with diligence, and when communities work together in the spirit of patriotism, we create the conditions under which prosperity can grow and hope can flourish.”
He stressed that patriotism had to be expressed not only during national celebrations like this, but also through their daily conduct by respecting their laws, protecting public property, working diligently, and contributing positively to their communities.
Mr. Nelson encouraged the youth to remain focused on their education and personal development, saying, “the future of our nation depends significantly on the knowledge, skills, discipline, and creativity that you bring to the task of development. Your generation holds the promise of a stronger and more prosperous Ghana.”
This year, one hundred and eight students drawn from two basic schools and two second-cycle institutions within the municipality participated in the anniversary march.
Mr. Ebenezer Cobbinah, the Municipal Chief Executive of Tarkwa Nsuaem, Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, security agencies, clergy, Muslim leaders, and the public attended the colourful event.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga /Linda Asante Agyei